Deer and Crane Together in Spring2

Lu He Tong Chun – Deer and Crane Together in Spring

Yangjiabu, Shandong

35x45cm

Modern reprint of early twentieth century

 

Nianhua images often employ rebuses (pictures that represent words). The deer (lu), in this case represents ‘official salary’, and the crane (he) represents peace (he). The woman on both sheets carries a hoe and basket of herbs. These attributes identify her as Magu, the Daoist immortal who collects medicine and hemp, and safeguards women’s health. The boys at her side carry an open pomegranate and a peach. Both symbolize fertility.

Deer and Crane Together in Spring1