Birds are a traditional subject in oriental painting.
Asian art is filled with deep spirituality and symbolism. China has a vast history in implements and artistry. Symbolism in oriental art, whether Japanese, Korean or Chinese, is as much a part of the painting as the techniques themselves. Birds are listed as one of several traditional subjects in oriental painting. The rendering of traditional subjects allows the artist to revisit traditional works and depict an object in a new way.
The Phoenix
The phoenix is the subject of many ancient paintings.
The phoenix is most often depicted with the head and body of a pheasant and feathers like a peacock. Its fiery plumage is depicted with the five sacred colors. It has 12 tail feathers, one for each month of the year. In the years with 13 months, 13 feathers appear. In traditional oriental painting, the phoenix feeds on bamboo seeds and drinks from clear fountains. The Chinese phoenix symbolizes peace and rebirth, the source of good fortune. The mythical phoenix represents the empress.
The Red Bird
Traditional ceramic paintings feature flowers and birds.
Another of the mystical symbols found in traditional Chinese painting is the Red Bird, one of the four legendary creatures that guard the cosmic directions. It is considered a celestial being. This bird appeared most commonly in China's Warring States period (476 to 221 B.C.). The powers of the Red Bird included the ability to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, these paintings are found in early Chinese and Korean tombs.
The Crane
The crane symbolizes happiness.
Traditional oriental paintings of birds symbolize eternal life. Specifically, the appearance of a crane suggests long life, promise, health, happiness, wisdom and good luck. The crane is the most popular bird in the history of Chinese painting. It is considered to be the messenger that flies to the gods. Other symbols of longevity, such as the pine tree and peaches, are often combined in paintings of the crane. The red-crowned crane or Japanese crane is an ancient tradition in Japan as well. It signifies luck, happiness, and happy marriage.
Traditional Symbolism with Birds
The peacock is the bearer of the news of new growth.
Historically, birds are positive symbols in traditional oriental painting. The eagle is the embodiment of generosity. When a falcon appears, it is as a light coming from darkness. Painting an owl has multiple meanings, including death and darkness as well as wisdom, insight and virtue. Love and longing are found in the nightingale, and the peacock is the bearer of the news of spring, birth, new growth, longevity and love. In both China and Japan, the raven symbolizes family. In Japanese painting, the most stately and dignified of birds is the hawk.
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