The illustration here is a "double fish" mark from a Scholars Examination Dish (Carp and Dragon), of the Kangxi period (1662-1722. Double fish mark on a Kangxi period plate. Often, two fish are depicted together, which is a common symbol used in weddings to represent marital bliss and harmony, as well as a wish for abundance. To the speculatively inclined the whole plate could be a reference to the novel, Romance of the Western Chamber when the promising student Zhang Sheng when coming back from his examination in the Capital, would be allowed to marry his beloved Cui Yingying.
In Chinese symbolism, fish (鱼 yú in Mandarin) have multiple meanings, many of which are derived from the way the word sounds and how the fish are observed in nature.
There are no lack of examples of fish in Chinese decorations. Since the word for fish, "鱼" (yú), sounds like the word for surplus or abundance, "余" (yú), fish are associated with wealth and prosperity. It is common for fish to be included in Chinese New Year celebrations and other festivals as a symbol of abundance and to wish for surplus and prosperity in the coming year.
The subject of fish among waterweed is a popular motif on Yuan blue and white porcelain. Its influence was probably inherited from well-known painters of fish such as Fan Anren, a painter of the Southern Song Academy active in the middle 13th Century.
The image of a carp leaping out of the water at the Longmen Falls (Dragon's Gate) is a symbol of the struggling scholar trying to pass his examinations. See: Carp jumping over the Long men (Dragon's Gate) water fall. According to legend, every year carp swim up the Yellow River, overcoming the rapid currents to reach the Longmen waterfall. The fish that succeed in overcoming this harsh waterfall will turn into dragons. The story is synonymous in that Confucian students must pass three examinations before they can be appointed as court officials.
During the Xuande dynasty, there was a practice of using the names of four different types of fish, which sound similar to the phrase "qing bai lian jie," meaning "pure and incorruptible," to symbolize the importance of integrity in officialdom. The fish names are used as a metaphor for the qualities expected of officials. These are the types of fish: Mackerel – qingyu (鲭鱼), whitefish – boyu (鮊鱼), silver carp (鲢鱼) or catfish – nianyu (鯰鱼), and Chinese mandarin fish (鳜鱼).
The golden fish specifically symbolizes good fortune in financial and business matters.
Fish move freely in water, which symbolizes the wish for happiness, freedom, and a smooth journey through life.
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