Symbolism

Fenghuang

The Fenghuang, also referred to as the Chinese Phoenix, is a mythical bird which has existed in Chinese art and folklore for over 7000 years. It has long been a potent symbol of grace, prosperity and matrimonial harmony. Its rare appearance was believed to be a positive omen marking the start of a new era.

The Fenghuang's majestic form was composed of the face of a swallow, the beak of a cock, a fowl's forehead, the neck of a snake, a goose-like front, a tortoise-like back with the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a fish. Its body was thought to symbolise the six celestial bodies: its head being the sky, its eyes the sun, its back the moon, its wings the wind, its feet the earth and, finally, its tail the planets.

In ancient China, the Fenghuang was often depicted alongside the Dragon (the former representing the female or Empress and the latter the male or Emperor) in paintings, imbibed in pieces of jade, or in the decorations for weddings or royalty. The expression 'Dragon and Phoenix' signifies wedded bliss. If used in interior decoration, the Fenghuang symbolised loyalty and honesty in the home's inhabitants, hiding itself when trouble was present.