Most ancient Chinese ships were made of wood. To protect them from damage, different types of lacquer were used on the wood surfaces. Over time, they started adding colors to the lacquer, turning it into a unique way to decorate ships.
Historical photos often show Fuzhou ship bows with carvings or paintings of lions and tigers. These animals symbolized “calming the sea and warding off evil.” Some think they might also represent Suanni, a mythical creature from Chinese stories. Warships usually had tiger heads on their bows, while merchant ships had lion heads. This was due to their frequent trade with places like Arabia, Persia, and Ceylon, where merchants were more familiar with the lion.
Hidden Eight Immortals
Also known as the "Daoist Eight Treasures," these symbols are carried by the Eight Immortals and are called "hidden" because they subtly represent the immortals. The symbols include a gourd, fan, fish drum, sword, lotus, flower basket, flute, and yin-yang board.
Qilin
The Qilin is a mythical creature that represents good fortune, peace, and long life.
Bats
Door and Window Carvings
Due to the homophonic similarity with the word "blessing" (福), bats symbolize protection and blessings.
Traditional chinese patterns include motifs such as flowers, birds, vines, and bats, each carrying positive connotations.
Good fortune
Fu Ning’s name itself is deepest meaningful.
Fu refers to Fujian Province, which translates to “Happy Establishment.”
Fujian holds a strategic maritime position between the two parts of the China Sea,
the South China Sea and the East China Sea. This is the place of origin for these historic sailing boats.
Ning, makes reference to Ningde city, where the boat was built. Ning also means “peace,” reflecting the calm and peaceful nature of the region.
Both words are significant in Chinese culture. Fujian, with its strategic position, and Ningde, known for its shipbuilding history, highlight the importance of these places in China’s maritime heritage.
Painting and Decoration
The Eight Immortals are well-known Daoist deities in Chinese folklore, including Iron Crutch Li, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Lü Dongbin, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu.
Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea
He-He Erxian
These are two laughing Buddhist monks, one holding a lotus leaf (harmonious sound “he”) and the other holding a treasure box (harmonious sound “he”). They symbolize harmony and world peace.
The phoenix, a legendary bird in Chinese mythology, symbolizes good luck, immortality, love, power, and national culture.
Phoenix
Egrets
Egrets, known for their strong flight and wind resistance, symbolized good fortune and safe voyages.
Fu Ning is a traditional Chinese wooden sailing boat that shows off the rich maritime heritage of Fujian Province, China. Built between 2015 and 2019, this boat is part of our commitment to UNESCO, aiming to preserve the “Fuzhou watertight compartment manufacturing technology,” a key element of traditional Chinese shipbuilding, and to share China’s maritime culture with the world.
The Fu Ning project began with a deep appreciation for maritime heritage and cultural preservation. At Fu Ning Global Pte Ltd, we are dedicated to honoring and keeping alive the traditional shipbuilding techniques passed down through generations. Fu Ning is crafted using high-quality materials like rosewood, ensuring they remain stable, wind-resistant, and capable of long sea voyages.
About Fu Ning
Peace
Wooden Dragon
Aegis
Magic lamp
Magic lamp
Wind beacon
Pattern along the Ship
Details of Fu Ning
Illustration of the external decoration of the Dafu ship for the fulfillment of the protection of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage (side view)
Fijian Hezhou Fuchuan Cultural Industry Development Co., Ltd.
Water-tightened compartment lucky boat research association in Jiaocheng District, Ningde City.
Top Eyebrows of the Boat
Divine Flag
The Mast
Dragon Eyes
Guest Flag
Wooden Dragon
Gun Muzzle
Ding Fenqi
Wind Beacon
Gourd (Fulu)
