清康熙 青花寿字莲纹碗

The combination of lotus and shou characters seen on the present bowl represents a wish for longevity. The lotus symbolises Buddhism and its associated qualities, such as purity and harmony. The idea of a beautiful lotus emerging from a muddy pond alludes to purity and perfection and serves as an example to Buddhists, who strive to live a life of integrity in an ordinary world.