Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the 8 horses painting? Among the auspicious artworks cherished by Chinese businesspeople and homeowners, this painting holds a special place. Let's explore the significance and symbolism behind this captivating piece.
The 8 Horses Painting: An Emblem of Prosperity
The 8 horses painting, also known as "ba jun tu" in Chinese, is considered a symbol of prosperity and success. It is often displayed alongside other auspicious paintings, such as the 100 birds, koi fish, and mountain landscapes. Its popularity stems from the deep reverence it holds in Chinese culture.
Unveiling the Symbolism of 8 Horses
While a single horse carries great symbolic meaning, 8 horses hold even more significance. This feng shui painting references the 8 steeds that accompanied King Mu of the Zhou dynasty during his travels around Mount Kunlun. King Mu was a transformative ruler who reigned for 55 years, bringing about positive changes and reforms that greatly benefitted his people.
Each of the 8 horses bears its own symbolism and virtues:
- Hua Liu: A red horse with a black mane, symbolizing business luck.
- Lu Er: A yellow-green horse, associated with status.
- Chi Ji: A red horse, representing wealth.
- Bai Xi: A pure white horse, symbolizing longevity and love.
- Qu Huang: A yellow horse, embodying wisdom.
- Yu Lun: A lilac-colored horse, capable of running a thousand miles.
- Dao Li: A pure black horse, adept at taking advantage of any situation.
- Shan Zi: An off-white horse, representing happiness and harmony.
Renowned artists have created their own renditions of the 8 horses painting throughout history. While artistic styles vary, the underlying symbolism remains constant.
The Fascinating World of Horse Symbolism
Interestingly, different numbers of horses convey distinct meanings and symbolism. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
- One horse: Symbolizes leadership and courage.
- Three horses: Represents conspiracy and betrayal, or uprising and revolution.
- Four horses: Signifies an insurmountable lead, ensuring victory.
- Five horses: Associated with a painful punishment of death.
- Six horses: Symbolizes beauty and distraction.
- Nine and ten horses: Indicates a luxurious and privileged life.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid paintings depicting 3 or 5 horses in your home or office.
Placing the 8 Horses Painting: Harnessing Auspicious Energy
As this painting is generally considered auspicious, it can be placed in common areas and offices without specific orientation requirements. However, it is important not to position the horses directly facing a seating or resting area.
When setting up a desk in a commanding position, it is best to place the painting behind the seat to support the occupant. Alternatively, you can position the painting in the south to attract promotions and business recognition, or in the northwest to invite powerful mentors and partners into your life. Placing the painting in the north can aid in career development.
The south is also the domain of the horse zodiac sign in Chinese astrology, making it an ideal location for the 8 horses painting.
In some cases, homeowners choose to display horse figurines instead of paintings. These figurine sets are specifically designed with the ba jun tu in mind, using the posture of the horses to individually identify each one. Some experts in bazi (Chinese astrology) even advocate placing the figurines in the position of the homeowner's traveling horse star to attract luck during voyages.
Remember, when placing the horses, avoid positioning them to face the main door, as it may encourage them to run out of the house, taking away your good luck.
Fig. 1: An example of an 8 horses painting
In conclusion, the 8 horses painting is not only a beautiful artwork but also a powerful symbol of prosperity, success, and positive energy. By understanding its rich symbolism and carefully placing this auspicious painting, you can invite good fortune and harmony into your life and surroundings.
