Crystal Vermillion Bird Mythical Creature Dance of the Phoenix

In ancient Chinese astrology, the “vermilion bird” is the divine mythological creature which guards the southern cardinal compass direction. This bird, however, is not in fact the phoenix that is perhaps be one of the most popularly represented deities in Eastern culture. The bird represents the South and has been named Ling Guang in folklore. Here the creature is dances with flames for the fire element it represents when correlated with the Chinese five principles system of geomancy. The orb on which it is sculpted represents the heavens, with etchings of ancient star maps thereon. And representing fire, it carries the elegance and virtues of rebirth and grace. Associated with the four quadrants of the vault of heaven are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermillion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North; in the center is the Qilin (unicorn). Each region corresponds to one of the five elements: metal (west), wood (east), water (north), fire (south), and earth (center). Moving across the night sky, the stars connect all life to the five elements. When the universe and elements are aligned, harmony ensues.

* Note: As the art pieces are individually hand-made, the color and dimensions will vary slightly.