Monkey and Wasp
'Monkey and Wasp'
Yangjiabu, Shandong
52 x 28 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
The text of this image reads 'Hanging stamp; wasp and monkey.' This only makes sense if we consider the use of puns and visual clues to explain the message. 'Wasp' rhymes with 'to entitle', while 'monkey' rhymes with 'marquis'. The wasp nest also looks like the stamp that officials used to approve documents, and which was a symbol of their authority. When all this comes together it represents the wish that one will receive a prestigious promotion.
copyright 2003
