Longevity Rice Bowl available at Time’s Tin Cup !
The Longevity Bowl originated during the Kangxi Period of the Qing Dynasty, 1660-1720s. These rice bowls were made by official kilns and only used or gifted on special occasions. They were exclusive to the emperor and forbidden to any commoner to use.
These longevity bowls contained patterns with Chinese characters: 萬 “Wàn”, 壽 “Shòu”, 無 “Wú” , 疆 “Jiāng”. This phrase translates to: 萬壽無疆 – Boundless Longevity.
During the Cultural Revolution, 1966 – 1976, the phrase 萬壽無疆 was used to praise Chairman Mao. The people had to practice this chant with passion.