Detachable emblem of an Umbrella from an altar set of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, ba ji xiang. The umbrella is a symbol of dignity and high rank in China, as it protects wealthy people against rain and sunshine. In Buddhism, it symbolises spiritual power and protection from the cycle of samsara, an eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth. Carved wood covered with red lacquer and gold pigment.
Sets of such altarpieces were placed on the altars of Buddhist temples. See McArthur, M. (2004), 'Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols', London: Thames & Hudson. Page 119.
