Painting of Happiness, Prosperity and Double Happiness

INFORMATION ABOUT THE "HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY" PAINTING Material: Lacquer carving - Size: 50 x 60 cm Adapted from Dong Ho folk paintings 1. Regarding the characters: The character "Phúc" (Happiness) is written in various styles including regular script, cursive script, seal script, and clerical script. There are also square characters (square "phượng phúc tự") and round characters (round "đoàn phúc tự") symbolizing "Five Blessings Entering the Door" (Five Blessings: Happiness, Prosperity, Longevity, Health, and Peace) up to "Hundred Blessings" (100 characters of "Phúc"). The character "Lộc" (Prosperity) has 12 strokes, with a left-right structure, consisting of the radical "Thi" on the left and the character "Lục" on the right. This can be explained by the ancient belief that prosperity is bestowed by heaven. The original meaning of "Lộc" is also good fortune, auspiciousness, and wealth. 2. Regarding the figures: Each child is holding a symbolic animal, which is a profound philosophy: the image expresses its meaning. On one side is a goose symbolizing heaven, representing heavenly blessings. Like the legend of the goose laying golden eggs, blessings come from heaven but are preserved by people. The image of the goose with wings flying up represents this. A child holding a carp is based on the legend of the carp transforming into a dragon. Blessings and virtue come from the mother. Children achieving glory and success is a great blessing for the family and lineage. The carp in the water rises to the sky – that is the subtlety in this folk painting style. Behind it is the image of a fragrant lotus flower, making the painting balanced and signifying the purity of childhood. Each image is linked to a legend or story. That is the profoundness of Dong Ho paintings in general, and the "Blessings and Prosperity in Double Dignity" painting in particular. Surely, a family space would be incredibly meaningful with this folk painting displayed.