Phoenix and Tiger

Object nr. 715 China, Chu State, Warring States Period (475-221 BC) Height: 99 cm

Provenance:
- Purchased in Hong Kong, 1980's
- Private Collection, The Netherlands 2024

Carbon Test- Groningen University 2019
Condition Report Available

Price on request

This object can be viewed in our gallery.

Phoenix & Tiger

A carved and painted wooden figure of a phoenix standing on the back of a crouching tiger. The various parts of the sculpture - head, legs and antlers -fit into carved holes in the bird’s torso to create the composition. The phoenix’s head arches back, beak slightly open. Its elongated neck runs down to a square body supported by long stilted legs. Two antlers are slotted into its back, which are painted with a geometrical pattern in black. On each side of the body is a protruding wooden square, which may indicate it may have had separate wooden wings, now lost. The phoenix and the tiger both have the original geometrical patterns painted on the body in red pigments. If we look at other similar objects from the same period, we can note that this may have been one of a pair of phoenixes for holding a suspension drum. The slender proportions and seemingly the fragile structure of the bird, raises the question of whether it was utilitarian or had a symbolic function in a tomb.

The phoenix, was of particular importance in Chu imagery, becoming a fundamental symbol in their culture. This mythical bird is associated with renewal, immortality and divine blessings. It embodied harmony and balance, representing opposing natural forces personified in yin and yang. In rituals, the phoenix was believed to act as a divine messenger, linking the human and spiritual realms. Depictions of phoenixes ornamented musical instruments, bronze vessels and lacquerware, often intricately rendered with flowing, dynamic lines to evoke their celestial grace. Tigers symbolized strength, protection and dominance over earthly forces. It was regarded as a guardian of the dead and was often depicted on tomb artifacts to ward off malevolent spirits. In Chu rituals, the tiger’s fierce imagery likely invoked courage and power, perhaps reflecting the state’s military prowess. Its presence reinforced both physical and spiritual protection for the community.

Floris van der Ven

Owner

Copyright 2020 Vanderven Oriental Art

Privacy Policy Cookies

Thank you for enquiring about this artwork. Please enter the form below and we will contact you swiftly.

✕
Vanderven.com uses cookies to personalise your browsing experience. Please read our Cookie Statement for more information about cookies, how we use them and how you can remove them. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Settings Accept cookies

Cookie instellingen

  • Info
  • Essential cookies
  • Relevant cookies
  • Third-party cookies

  • To deliver an optimal service, we use cookies.

    YES, I ACCEPT COOKIES.

    We make a distinction between essential, relevant and third-party cookies.
    Our essential cookies do not contain personal information. They make sure our website works properly. The relevant and third-party cookies also gather personal data. That way, we can improve our website to better suit your needs and to provide you with relevant offers. Our third-party cookies make sure you can share pages through social media and they are used to show you relevant ads on other websites.

    Are you familiar with cookies and do you accept our use of cookies? Please click ‘Yes, I accept cookies’. If you would like to know more, please use the menu to the left.

  • Essential cookies:

    • Are necessary for the website to function properly
    • Prevent data from having to be filled in repeatedly
    • Improve the website’s performance
    • Monitor the website’s speed
    • Register visitor behaviour

    Always active

  • Relevant cookies are cookies that:

    • Are necessary for the website to function properly
    • Prevent data from having to be filled in repeatedly
    • Improve the website’s performance
    • Monitor the website’s speed
    • Register visitor behaviour
    • Adjust the website based on personal preferences
    • Store personal data to enable relevant ads

    Active
    Not Active

  • External cookies are cookies that:

    • Are necessary for the website to function properly
    • Prevent data from having to be filled in repeatedly
    • Improve the website’s performance
    • Monitor the website’s speed
    • Register visitor behaviour
    • Adjust the website based on personal preferences
    • Store personal data to enable relevant ads
    • Show relevant ads on the internet
    • Facilitate social media functionalities

    Active
    Not active
 
Close