Money Tree
'Money Tree'
Yangjiabu, Shandong
42 x 78 cm
modern reprint of early 20th century image
This image combines many of the most exuberant symbols of wealth. The money tree is most prominent with its hanging 'strings of cash'. The main reason why traditional Chinese coins had a hole through the middle was that the small denomination copper currency was strung together into larger units of 100 or 1000, much in the way that they appear as they hang from the money tree. Also visible amid the branches of the tree is a 'coin dragon', which also owes its appearance to the 'strings of cash'. At the bottom is the same 'pot of endless wealth' that is seen in figure 8. As if this were not already auspicious enough the artist has added the God of Wealth seated on the left, and a Qilin on the right. This mythical beast was known as a symbol of fertility and the birth of sons.
copyright 2003
