Phoenix

In China and East Asia the Fenghuang is a mythological bird said to reign over all other birds. Also known as the Chinese phoenix, the Fenghuang is believed to have originated in the sun and has further celestial significance whereby the head is considered symbolic of the sky, the eyes the sun, the back the moon, the wings the wind, the feet the earth and the tail the planets. It is further believed that the Fenghuang only appears in areas of the upmost peace and happiness. Images of a similar ancient bird have appeared in Chinese jade and pottery since 4000 BC and continued as a motif in ceramics where the form of the Fenghuang may be greatly stylised and abstracted.