Lacquer Painting ( PHÚC LỘC SONG TOÀN )

1. Regarding the Characters:

The character “Phúc” (Happiness/Blessing) is written in various calligraphic styles such as regular script (chân), cursive script (thảo), seal script (triện), and clerical script (lệ). Additionally, there are square styles (phương phúc tự) and round styles (đoàn phúc tự), symbolizing “Ngũ phúc lâm môn” (The Five Blessings entering the door) – these five blessings being Phúc (Happiness), Lộc (Prosperity), Thọ (Longevity), Khang (Health), and Ninh (Peace) – and even “Bách phúc” (One Hundred Blessings).

The character “Lộc” (Prosperity/Fortune) consists of 12 strokes and has a left-right structure, comprising the radical “Thị” (示 – altar/spirit) on the left and the character “Lục” (录 – record/collect) on the right. This can be interpreted as the ancient belief that prosperity is bestowed by heaven. The original meaning of the character Lộc is also blessing, auspiciousness, and emoluments.

2. Regarding the Figures:

Each child holds a symbolic animal, which represents a profound philosophy: the image embodies its meaning. On one side is a goose, symbolizing heaven and prosperity bestowed by heaven, referencing the tale of the Goose that lays golden eggs. Prosperity is given by heaven but kept by people, which is the meaning behind the image of the goose with wings about to fly.

One child holds a carp, which alludes to the tale of the Carp transforming into a Dragon. Virtue resides in the mother (or origin). Children’s success and achievement, bringing honor to the family and lineage, represent great Phúc (Happiness/Blessing) for the family. The carp is in the water and leaps towards the sky, a subtle and refined detail in national folk art.

Behind the children is the image of a fragrant lotus flower, which balances the painting and signifies the purity in the painting originating from the children. Each image is associated with tales and stories, reflecting the depth of Dong Ho paintings in general, and the “Phúc Lộc Song Toàn” painting in particular.

Undoubtedly, the family space will be incredibly meaningful when this folk painting is displayed.