Phoenixes – a metaphor for peace, longevity, and virtue

Besides the timed auction, our experts from RCB Auctions have also selected 120 of precious antiques and decorative items for Asian Antiques Live auction on Saturday 9th at 12:30 p.m. via www.rcbauctions.com and www.invaluable.com. Amongst the highlight items is Lot 26, A large polychrome porcelain covered baluster jar painted and gilt with two Phoenixes perched on rockery among blooming peonies on white background.  

What is a Phoenix?

The sovereign of all birds, the Fenghuang (凤 凰) or in English ‘Phoenix’ is a bird from Chinese mythology. In Chinese art and literature, it serves as a metaphor for peace, longevity, and virtue. In the Classics of Mountain and Sea (Shan Hai Jing), an appearance of a phoenix was rare, but when it did appear it was seen as a great omen of peace and propriety. Their head representing virtue (de 德), wings justice (yi義), back politeness (li禮), stomach as honesty (xin信), and chest for humanity (ren 仁).

According to an ancient text, the bird appears with a chicken-like head profile, a snake neck, a swallow chin, a long fishtail, and a tortoiseshell back. In some alliterations, they have tiger skin and multi-colored feathered tails. They are depicted in art objects as early as the Six Dynasties Period (220-589) or the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) phoenixes were often shown in pairs. Originally Feng was a male phoenix and Huang was a female phoenix, representing the union of yin and yang. Later, in the Ming Dynasty, the two became combined as ‘Fenghuang’ and identified as the symbol of the empress, so the phoenix came to represent femininity. She is commonly paired with dragons, which symbolizes the emperor. Together they symbolize the duality of the feminine and masculine, yin and yang. The design is common in wedding gifts and decorations.

Lot 26 

A large polychrome porcelain covered baluster jar painted and gilt with two phoenixes among blooming peonies on white background (1 pc.)

Dimensions: W 30 cm. H 59 8 cm.

Style: Chinese

Circa: 19th

Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 THB

Starting Price: 30,000 THB

Bid this item at Asian Antiques Live Auction on Saturday 9th at 12:30 p.m. 

Preview the collection through our catalogue here or in person at RCB Auctions preview room which will be open from 1 to 8 October from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on the 4th floor of River City Bangkok.

Register to bid at www.rcbauctions.com or RCB Auctions application.

Watch is our step-by-step guide on how to register for our online auction here

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