The screen contains a ni per of traditional hinese,asdecon ipattemsofruyial dshou-character attle bittom, of tfiicture.all symbolize I ngevity,happiness positionand cei ntment. Replete wimr-thesesymbols: thll whole picture, overflowing with ifestl W-atmosphere, perfeifor a bithday celebration.

The cover design is from a Suzhou embroidery screen of the Qing Dynasty used speiecl for birthday celebrations.The screen contains a number of traditional Chinese auspicious symbois: The Chinese words for the deer on which the God of Longevity riding and the bat on the right are homophones for“official position”and “happiness”.The Taiji(“great ultimate”)symbol on the scroll held by God is a talisman for warding off disaters and evil spidts, and this symbol, resembling two fish frolicking in warte ,also stands for annual,as fish and “suurpls” are homophones. The pine tree, bamboo and plum blossoms, called “the three winter companions” by the ancidnts,convey connotations of being petualty ,young and full of vitality. The peaches, goundcarried be the boys as well as decorative pattems ofruyi and shouchiaracter atthe bottong of the picture and contentment. Replete with these symbols,the whole picture is overflowing with a festivse atmosphere, perfect for a birthday celebratin.

Chinese Auspicious Pictures

Peace

Happinese

High Rank and Salary

Lingevity

Joy

Offspring

Kylin

Dragon

Dragon and Phoenix

Phonenix