Chinese motifs besides its ornamental value, also serve to convey a meaning or message. To fully appreciate decorated chinese ceramics, it is necessary to study the meanings behind the motifs. The motifs decorating chinese ceramics are numerous, covering varied subjects from nature, history, legend, romance to symbolical ornaments.

For collectors of Chinese ceramics who are not familiar with chinese history, language, literature and culture, the motifs which are probably more difficult to appreciate and understand are the symbolical decorations and subjects involving human figures , historical and legendary scenes. Hence, I have selected some of the more frequently found motifs related to these subjects and attempts to discuss their intended meanings.