Unlike vases in the West which are used predominantly for decorative purposes, Oriental floor vases were - and still are - used to heighten the sacred atmosphere of their altar rooms.
This is true in China, Japan and Korea.
In other words, besides being ornamental pieces, they also made wide use of religious images depicting animals and flowers that secretly symbolized various types of blessings for the family which revered them.
Even if you do not believe in the mystical effect of images, the fact remains that when we are reminded of blessings, we usually exert more effort to possess them.
Among the benefits that are portrayed in Oriental floor vases are wealth, long life, health, conjugal fidelity, friendship, protection, spiritual enlightenment and social recognition, among many others.
Symbols that pertain to wealth The dragon is the guardian of both material and spiritual treasures.
Dragons remind you about working for and obtaining both spiritual excellence and material wealth.
The bamboo is the symbol for long life, friendships and protection.
Such conditions are conducive for amassing great wealth.
The 'lucky bamboo' is recommended by people who know Feng Shui for promoting business.
The phoenix symbolized a prosperous state, a resurrection from misery and poverty.
Symbols that stood for spiritual virtues The Fu dog stood for courage and valor.
This dog is unique in that it barks as readily as it bites.
It is depicted as a lion in most porcelain floor vases coming from China and Japan.
And then again, the Chinese often depicted their ducks in pairs.
The bird stood for marital fidelity, perhaps because most domestic ducks cannot fly and will stay with their families all their lives.
The lotus is not just found as the main image of a vase.
It is often portrayed on the lip and the base of Oriental vases.
The flower symbolizes the complete nature of a human being.
Its seven petals stand for the seven aspects of man.
When these aspects are all in full bloom then the person has attained self-realization or enlightenment.
The rooster is considered a very potent symbol for driving away evil influences coming from within and without a person.
It is potent for countering not only ghosts and demons but also the internal evil tendencies of people.
Symbols that control social interaction Oriental floor vases are also rich with images that remind of amiability and successful social relations.
Again, the bamboo is one such symbol.
That stems from the fact that bamboo plants grow in thick and close aggregates that make it difficult for animals to harm them.
The phoenix also promotes an excellent social life.
That is because it is symbolical for the queen.
Oriental floor vases were traditionally used to bestow wealth, spiritual blessings and social success to persons who possesses them.
They were as much used for adorning as for bringing good luck to the home.
Even today, Feng Shui experts have a high regard for the power of Oriental vases for bringing good vibrations to a home.
Anyone interested in pottery and floor vases in particular can benefit from knowing about the meanings of the images depicted on them.
That knowledge helps them to make better choices when selecting pottery for their homes.