A phoenix and two cranes under a tree

Known since the Song dynasty (960-1279) as the "king of birds," the phoenix symbolizes the emperor's power and prestige. Here, the regal phoenix towers over the other birds, who seem loath to gaze directly at it. The phoenix is often portrayed flanked by attendant birds-a role played here by two cranes. Moreover, a number of objects are exclusively associated with this mythical bird, among them the paulownia (wu tong) tree, whose branches it is believed are the only ones upon which a phoenix is willing to perch.