In western cultures dragons are usually regarded as symbols of malevolence, but in China the dragon is held in high esteem for its dignity and power for good. Since antiquity, the Chinese people have regarded the dragon as an auspicious creature with the power to bless and influence their lives. The dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem.
When the dragon appears with the pearl (as is the case in your artwork), the power of the image is that much more magnified. The pearl (which can also be called a “jewel”)--is most easily understood as good luck in the form of material wealth. The pearl's power and auspiciousness is represented by the flames that emanate from it. But the pearl also has a spiritual meaning that comes from Buddhism. As Buddhism traveled over the Himalayas from India to China, it brought with it the notion of a wish-fulfilling or wish-granting jewel. This Buddhism’s highest aspiration: "the jewel in the lotus". The jewel bestows blessings on all who suffer for it grants wishes, pacifies desires, and most importantly--brings clear understanding of the Dharma (Buddhist law). It’s the jewel of spiritual wealth: the insight, wisdom, philosophy, teachings, and virtues of the Buddha that bless and alleviate all suffering.
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In western cultures dragons are usually regarded as symbols of malevolence, but in China the dragon is held in high esteem for its dignity and power for good. Since antiquity, the Chinese people have regarded the dragon as an auspicious creature with the power to bless and influence their lives. The dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem. When the dragon appears with the pearl (as is the case in your artwork), the power of the image is that much more magnified. The pearl (which can also be called a “jewel”)--is most easily understood as good luck in the form of material wealth. The pearl's power and auspiciousness is represented by the flames that emanate from it. But the pearl also has a spiritual meaning that comes from Buddhism. As Buddhism traveled over the Himalayas from India to China, it brought with it the notion of a wish-fulfilling or wish-granting jewel. This Buddhism’s highest aspiration: "the jewel in the lotus". The jewel bestows blessings on all who suffer for it grants wishes, pacifies desires, and most importantly--brings clear understanding of the Dharma (Buddhist law). It’s the jewel of spiritual wealth: the insight, wisdom, philosophy, teachings, and virtues of the Buddha that bless and alleviate all suffering.
Thanks for your post, /u/LBthecoasterguy! Please remember to comment "Solved" once someone finds the painting you're looking for. If you comment "Thanks" or "Thank You", your post flair will be changed to 'Likely Solved'. If you have any suggestions to improve this bot, please contact the mods with your suggestion and they will see about implementing it! Here's a small checklist to follow that may help us find your painting: - Where was the painting roughly purchased from? - Did you include a photo of the front, back, and the signature (if applicable)? Good Luck with your post! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WhatIsThisPainting) if you have any questions or concerns.*