Scissors in Dream of the Red Chamber: Cultural Research and Literary Metaphor of Mandarin Duck Scissors

Brief Introduction

In the noble life of the Qing Dynasty, scissors were an indispensable tool for both the inner quarters and daily labor. When mentioning "scissors" in Dream of the Red Chamber, people often think of "Mandarin Duck Scissors" (Yuan Yang Jiao). It needs to be clarified that Mandarin Duck Scissors are not tools for the "Invention Record", but rather a type of exquisitely shaped scissors from the Qing Dynasty, commonly used for embroidery or cutting clothes. They are named after their handles, which were often cast in the shape of mandarin ducks. In the world of the Jia household constructed in Dream of the Red Chamber, such tools were not only practical daily items but also carried rich emotional metaphors and symbols of character fate.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Form and Craftsmanship: Mandarin Duck Scissors were mostly made of copper or iron. The handles were designed in the shape of mandarin ducks playing in the water or standing together, symbolizing marital harmony. Qing Dynasty craftsmanship was exquisite; some high-end scissors were even inlaid with jewels, serving as a symbol of status.
2. Practical Use: They were primarily used for cutting fabric, trimming candle wicks, or assisting in embroidery. In feudal society, they were representative tools of female "needlework" skills, standing alongside spinning wheels and looms.
3. Cultural Symbolism: Scissors carry the meaning of "cutting off." In folk customs, they were often used to cut off threads of worry or dispel bad luck. At the same time, mandarin ducks symbolize love, and the mandarin duck patterns on the scissors also entrust hopes for a happy marriage.

Connection with the Content of Dream of the Red Chamber

In Dream of the Red Chamber, the appearance of scissors often accompanies key plots or turning points in character fate:

* Depiction of Daily Life: The book describes the needlework of noble ladies and maids in many places. For example, when Xichun was painting, scissors were needed nearby to cut the paper; when Wang Xifeng managed household affairs, she often involved cutting and distributing clothing rewards. As a typical artifact of the time, Mandarin Duck Scissors were implied in these life details, showcasing the former luxury and refinement of the Jia household.
* Metaphor of Character Fate: Although there is no direct plot involving "Mandarin Duck Scissors" in the book, the fate of the character "Yuan Yang" (Mandarin Duck) forms an intertextuality with them. Yuan Yang swore never to submit to Jia She and ultimately died for her master. Her resolute character aligns with the "decisive" power of scissors.
* Symbolism of Emotion: In Chapter 30, Baoyu smashed his jade due to a misunderstanding, and Qingwen tore a fan due to a misunderstanding. Although scissors were not directly used, the imagery of "cutting" and "tearing" runs through the entire book. For instance, before Baoyu became a monk, he had his head shaved; the scissors cutting off his long hair symbolized a complete break with the mortal world.

Conclusion

The scissors in Dream of the Red Chamber, especially the Mandarin Duck Scissors, are not only a microcosm of Qing Dynasty material culture but also hidden props used by Cao Xueqin to characterize people and drive the plot. They correct the misconception of being a "tool for the Invention Record," restoring their true nature as daily objects and carriers of emotion, providing a unique perspective for readers to understand the delicate emotions of the Red Chamber world.

Keywords: Dream of the Red Chamber, Scissors, Mandarin Duck Scissors, Qing Dynasty Artifacts, Literary Metaphor, Traditional Culture