Chinese Fish Statues

Chinese fish statues are traditionally given as gifts with hopes of bringing good luck to the receiver. The Chinese character for fish, very similar to the Chinese character meaning “surplus” or “abundance," is an important symbol of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.

According to Chinese mythology, a carp that is able to leap the falls in the Yellow River would be magically transformed into a dragon. This motif of a carp leaping out of water is typically used to symbolize success in civil service examinations that the Chinese took in imperial China in order to join the bureaucracy.

The fish motif, particularly that of a carp, also symbolizes perseverance as children grow and mature. A pair of carp, or koi fish, represents fertility as fish reproduce very rapidly and have many offspring.

Quick Facts

• The scales of the mythological dragon are borrowed from the carp
• The fish, magpie, lotus, and the Chinese character for “year” translate visually to mean having more happiness year after year
• Having a Chinese fish statue in your home is thought to bring longevity because carp are able to live up to 75 years