Called Fenghuang in Chinese, these mythological birds are said to reign over all other birds. The fenghuang is often depicted as having the body parts of various other birds in combination with a snake-like neck and the back of a tortoise.
For over 7,000 years, images of this ancient bird have appeared in Chinese art as pottery motifs, jade figurines, and decorated bronzes. Contemporary theories suggest that these images could be partly based on the memory of the Asian Ostrich which was common in prehistoric China but has been extinct now for several thousand years!
The Fenghuang has very positive symbolism. It represents high virtue and grace as well as the union of yin and yang. Originally it was represented as two birds, male and female, but was later merged during the Yuan dynasty into one being representing a union of male and female.
This beautifully colored fenghuang phoenix design is spectacular on t-shirts in your choice of colors and styles. We also feature this design on mousepads, tiles, and other decorative gifts.
