Eight Treasures

The Eight Treasures (Chinese: 八寶/八宝; pinyin: Bābǎo), also known as the Eight Precious Things,[1] are popular symbols often depicted in Chinese art and on Chinese numismatic charms.

The eight treasures on a Chinese amulet.

While technically they may be any subset of the much longer list of the Hundred Treasures, there is a combination that is most popular.[2]

  1. The Wish-granting Pearl (寳珠/宝珠, Bǎozhū) or flaming pearl symbolises the granting of wishes.
  2. The Double Lozenges (方勝/方胜, "Fāngshèng") symbolises happiness in marriage and counteracts maleficent influences.
  3. The Stone Chime (磬, "Qìng") symbolises a just and upright life.
  4. The pair of Rhinoceros Horns (犀角, Xījiǎo) symbolises happiness.
  5. The Double Coins (雙錢/双钱, Shuāngqián) symbolises wealth.
  6. The gold or silver Ingot (錠/锭, Dìng)
  7. The Coral (珊瑚, Shānhú)
  8. The Wish-granting Scepter (如意, Rúyì)

See also
  • Ashtamangala, eight sacred treasures and symbols in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
  • Cintamani, a wish-fulfilling jewel in Buddhism.

References
  1. Ghoteborg.com Eight Precious Things (Babao) by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 11 July 2018.
  2. Terese Tse Bartholomew. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Hong Kong: Asian Art Museum-Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 2006 ISBN 0-939117-36-3
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