Origins in Buddhism and diffusion on the Silk Road Three hares

the spread of 3 hares symbol between 600 , 1500

the earliest occurrences appear in cave temples in china, dated sui dynasty (6th 7th centuries). iconography spread along silk road, , symbol associated buddhism. hares have been said hieroglyph of . in other contexts metaphor has been given different meaning. example, guan youhui, retired researcher dunhuang academy, spent 50 years studying decorative patterns in mogao caves, believes 3 rabbits— many images in chinese folk art carry auspicious symbolism—represent peace , tranquility. see aurel stein. hares have appeared in lotus motifs.

the 3 hares appear on 13th century mongol metalwork, , on copper coin, found in iran, dated 1281.

another appears on ancient islamic-made reliquary southern russia. 13th or 14th century box, later used reliquary, made in iran under mongol rule, , preserved in treasury of cathedral of trier in germany. on base, casket has islamic designs, , featured 2 images of 3 hares. 1 lost through damage.

one theory pertaining spread of motif transported china across asia , far south west of england merchants travelling silk road , motif transported via designs found on expensive oriental ceramics. view supported date of surviving occurrences in china. majority of representations of 3 hares in churches occur in england , northern germany. supports contrary view 3 hares occurred independently english or german symbols.

some claim devon name, tinners rabbits, related local tin miners adopting it. mines generated wealth in region , funded building , repair of many local churches, , symbol may have been used sign of miners patronage. architectural ornament of 3 hares occurs in churches unrelated miners of south west england. other occurrences in england include floor tiles @ chester cathedral, stained glass @ long melford, suffolk , ceiling in scarborough, yorkshire.

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