The logo of the Macau Ricci Institute is taken from an image embossed on a bianhu, or flat wine vessel, in bronze dating from the time of the Han Dynasty. The image is of a Taoist Immortal riding a tiger.
The Tiger, prince of the wild beasts of the mountain, the roar of which stirs up the wind in the valley, is the animal in which resides the "Yin," the vital principle of Earth. The Tiger signifies the "Yin" that calls forth the action of the "Yang."
To dominate the Tiger symbolizes to master the forces of Earth. All humanity looks around and seeks to understand the grandeur, power and beauty in which we live. The search for understanding, particularly intercultural understanding, is the purpose of the Macau Ricci Institute.