Decorative figurines

Decorative Mudmen figurines symbolizing wisdom and harmony with nature have been used to decorate bonsai since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)
These traditional miniatures are used to create landscape scenes on bonsai trays and containers, giving them scale and accentuating the subject
The main types of figurines and their symbolism.
- scholars and sages, wisdom, solitude, spiritual maturity
- fishermen express patience, modest, self-sufficient life
- craftsmen or musicians symbolize the importance of creativity and tradition
- monks and hermits symbolize spiritual solitude, meditation
- elders symbolize the importance of wisdom and experience
- traveler / wanderer reflects the path of life, movement, search for truth
- pagoda / temple reveals the spiritual center, upward aspiration
- bridge symbolizes transition, change, connection of worlds
- tea house expresses inner peace and harmony

Traditionally, an important decoration in the Chinese tea ceremony is a statue of the “Tea God” (Bowl). It should be watered with hot water and tea to bring prosperity and good luck to the house owner.