Carpet - Phoenix on a wutong tree

This deep blue rug depicts a resplendent phoenix set before a wutong tree and a Peony flower, in a pictorial design.

The Chinese phoenix or fenghuang is a symbol of high virtue and grace, appearing only when reason prevails in the country, hiding itself at other times; two are never seen at once. It is a benevolent creature that feeds only on bamboo seeds and quenches its thirst only at the sweet fountains.

The wutong tree is famous in legend for being the only species of tree on which the phoenix will alight. It is considered a symbol of the female element, the opposite of the bamboo, which symbolizes the male element. A reason for this distinction may be that the wutong forms knots inwardly while knots on the bamboo grow on the outside: 'inward' is a female characteristic, 'outward' is male.

The peony or mudanhua is known as the 'Queen of Flowers' and it symbolizes wealth and distinction, as well as love, affection and feminine beauty. The peony is also one of the four flowers representing the four seasons; it is the symbol of spring.

Suiyuan, 120 years, 1.48m x 0.84m

RM 2,800