As another long, cold Winter draws to an end and we look forward to welcoming the arrival of Spring, our thoughts turn to the themes of new beginnings and renewal. One of the most globally recognised symbols of rebirth is the legendary mythical creature, the Phoenix.
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Detail of a Phoenix on a large Okimono Group depicting a pair of the mythological birds
Known as the “Fenghuang” in China or the “Ho-o” in Japan, the Phoenix is an enduring creature with a history dating back over thousands of years and a presence across many different cultures across the Globe.
The physical representation of the Phoenix is consistent wherever it appears. It is always depicted as a bird with long, brightly-coloured plumage which. At the end of a long-life, the bird combusts into flames only to rise again from the ashes and begin anew. Unsurprisingly, because of this ability to “emerge from the flames”, the Phoenix is a global symbol for immortality and rebirth.
A flying Phoenix appears on a Bronze and multi-metal vase (one of a pair)
This powerful never-ending cycle of death and rebirth and the resonance this has with the many facets of humanity is no doubt, the reason for the enduring popularity of the Phoenix. The allegory for rebirth is used prominently in many religions and the aspect of rising from the ashes is a popular metaphor in secular settings such as the military, community and education.
The earliest known representation of the Phoenix is the Egyptian Bennu bird. Historians believe it was based on a now-extinct form of large Heron. The mythical Bennu Bird was said to have created itself from a fire in the Temple of Ra, the Sun God.
In China, the Phoenix is known as The Fenghuang and often represents a Peacock or Pheasant. It is actually comprised, Chimaera-like of parts of many birds including the head of a Pheasant, the body of a Duck, the tail of a Peacock, the legs of a Crane, the mouth of a Parrot and the wings of a Swallow.
A vibrant Phoenix on the body of a large Chinese Cloisonne Baoyueping vase
A highly revered creature, The Fenghuang is said to be immortal and will only appear at times of utmost peace, prosperity and happiness. Generally, it is considered a female creature and is often used to represent the Empress. (Whilst the Dragon is believed to be Male and is used to represent the Emperor.)
Historically, the Empress and Emperor would have their respective mythical beasts embroidered on their robes and their possessions would often be decorated with them also. It is believed that The Fenghuang originated in the Sun and ,lives atop the Kunlun Mountains in Northern China.
A Phoenix depicted on the body of a large pair of vases by the Miyao Company
Often depicted amongst fireballs, symbolising the death and rebirth cycle, The Fenghuang is also regularly seen carrying scrolls or a box full of sacred books. During the Ming dynasty and the rise of Confucianism, the five colours of The Fenghuang, (black, white, red, green and yellow) became associated with the five virtues of Charity, Honesty, Knowledge, Integrity and Respect. If a Fenghuang was used to decorate a house, it was said that the occupants possessed all these values.
A spectacular Phoenix on the body of a Japanese Bronze vase (one of a pair) signed Kumagaya
In Japan, the Phoenix is known as the “Ho-o” or “Hoo” and this name is based on the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese “Fenhuang.” The Japanese Phoenix shares the same appearance and many of the same traits as the Chinese counterpart. The Phoenix is the most sacred bird in Japan and one of the most revered mythical creatures with powers second only to the Kirin.
A fine Japanese, Meiji-era boxwood Okimono of a Kirin
Ho-o are creatures of peace and only eat Bamboo seeds. It was believed that they nested in the boughs of Paulownia trees and that when they took flight, the wind would stop, dust would settle and the lands would grow quiet.
It was said the the Ho-o would only be seen when a ruler was without corruption and as such, the Phoenix would help to oversee the arrival of peaceful, prosperous. At times of strife or war, it was said that the Ho-o would flee to the sanctuary of the heavens and would not return until balance had been restored on earth.
A miniature Phoenix appears on a finely decorated Satsuma bowl signed Kaizan
Depictions of the Ho-o have been widespread in Japanese art, literature, architecture and culture for centuries with its motif appearing on Kimono, ceramics, Okimono, furniture Temples and Shrines. It is a representative of Fire, the Sun and the Imperial family and stands for the values of faith, duty and mercy.
A gold lacquer Phoenix on the wooden base of this large, imposing Bronze Okimono of an Oni by Miyao
As in China, the five colours of the Ho-o are representative but instead of portraying virtues, they symbolise the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
A pair of majestic Phoenix birds atop Minogame
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A close detail of a multi-metal Phoenix on a fine Japanese Meiji-era Bronze vase