Calligraphy

About this object

History of use

This paper would be pasted on an interior house wall at new year, remaining throughout the year. Its purpose is to express a wish for good fortune in the house.

Cultural context

new year

Iconographic meaning

Characters state 'purple air comes from the east' which is probably a quotation from the classics.

Physical description

Rectangular paper, right side is orange with scattered flecks of gold foil. On paper are four characters in black ink, written horizontally. Writing in pencil on reverse side, "purple ? comes from the east ie good fortune", also four Chinese characters written above.