Turn a centuries-old imperial treasure into your handcrafted heirloom with our Paulownia and Two Rabbits cross-stitch kit! Inspired by Leng Mei’s iconic court painting (housed in the Palace Museum, Beijing), this kit lets you weave royal history and ancient Chinese blessings into every stitch—ideal for art collectors, gift-givers, and anyone who cherishes meaningful handmade art.
The Story Behind the Masterpiece
This extraordinary painting has a royal origin: in the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi desired a special artwork to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, but noticed his imperial collection lacked a piece featuring jade rabbits—sacred symbols of the moon and good fortune. He issued an imperial order to Leng Mei, one of the era’s most revered court painters, to create this masterpiece . Leng Mei, a pioneer of East-West artistic fusion who studied under the renowned Jiao Bingzhen, rose to the challenge. In just days, he crafted this exquisite work, which so impressed Emperor Kangxi that he praised it: “Rabbits are the spirits of the bright moon—only Leng Mei can capture their auspicious aura and vitality” . Signed “Respectfully painted by your servant Leng Mei” with imperial collection seals like “Treasure of Qianlong’s Viewing,” the painting became a beloved imperial treasure, embodying the court’s love for beauty, harmony, and symbolic blessings .
Painted on silk, the original artwork depicts a serene autumn night: two plump, lifelike rabbits nestle under towering paulownia trees, surrounded by fragrant osmanthus blooms, delicate wild chrysanthemums, and a bamboo fence. Every element is steeped in profound Chinese symbolism that resonates across cultures:
- Two Jade Rabbits: As lunar spirits, they symbolize family reunion, longevity, and fertility—echoing the Mid-Autumn legend of the moon rabbit. Their gentle bond also represents marital harmony and double blessings, cherished wishes for a happy household .
- Paulownia Trees: Known as the “phoenix’s resting place,” paulownia stands for nobility, family prosperity, and protection, believed to attract good fortune and safeguard future generations .
- Osmanthus & Chrysanthemums: Osmanthus (homophonous with “prestige” in Chinese) signifies success and wealth, tied to the ancient tale of “plucking osmanthus from the moon” for academic or career triumph. Chrysanthemums embody resilience and joy, celebrating life’s enduring beauty .
- Bamboo & Rock: Bamboo symbolizes upward growth and steady progress, while rock represents stable wealth and unshakable fortune—completing a tapestry of blessings .
Craft a Fusion of Art Worlds
What makes this cross-stitch kit exceptional is its chance to recreate Leng Mei’s groundbreaking “East-meets-West” technique. The original painting blends traditional Chinese ink wash and meticulous line work with Western shading and perspective—resulting in rabbits with soft, tactile fur, leaves with natural depth, and a scene that feels both timeless and vivid . Our kit uses premium threads and precision-printed fabric to capture every detail, making it accessible to stitchers of all skill levels.
Stitching this piece is more than a hobby—it’s a journey through imperial history, a meditative act of preserving cultural heritage. Once finished, it shines as a priceless collectible—a unique blend of Qing Dynasty court art and Western embroidery, sure to become a conversation piece in any home. It also makes a heartfelt gift: perfect for new parents (wishing fertility and harmony), newlyweds (symbolizing double happiness), or art lovers (offering a slice of royal Chinese history).
Hang it in your living room to infuse your space with warmth and luck, or pass it down as an heirloom—each stitch carries the weight of imperial approval and centuries of 吉祥 (jíxiáng, “good fortune”).
#ChineseArtCrossStitch #QingDynastyMasterpiece #HandmadeGiftIdea #CrossStitchCollectible #LuckyChineseSymbolism #PaulowniaAndRabbitsEmbroidery #ImperialArtEmbroidery
Leave a Reply