Among the traditional Chinese auspicious patterns, the cloud pattern is the most representative one. Most of the cloud patterns symbolize the meaning of promotion and good luck, and are widely used in architecture, clothing, porcelain, furniture and other artworks.

Clouds bring the rain that is vital for farmers and are thus considered auspicious. As a design, clouds appear on ancient Chinese ritual bronzes, lacquerwares, stone carvings, and objects of decorative art. The word for “clouds” is homophonous with “good fortune” (yun 運). Clouds are often combined with bats, cranes, and other symbols of blessing for a long life. Five-colored clouds are good omens. For this reason, cloud designs frequently appear on imperial robes and royal porcelain.