JIAJING SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE WITHIN A DOUBLE CIRCLE AND OF THE PERIOD (1522-1566)

The auspicious meaning of a day lily, xuancao, comes from the first character, xuan, which is a traditional honorific way to refer to one's mother. This flower is also a symbol of longevity, and hence this flower could be used to signify honouring one's mother and to wish her longevity. Day lilies are also called wangyoucao (grief-dispelling plant) or yi'nancao (boy-favouring herb). It was believed that they could raise one's mood, while a pregnant woman who wore this flower could be expected to bear a male child.