拍品专文
According to legend, the phoenix first appeared in Chinese history during the reign of the semi-mythical Yellow Emperor, circa 2600 BC, and is supposed to appear only in times of peace and prosperity. The phoenix also presides over the southern quadrant of the heavens, and during the Tang dynasty became the symbol of the empress. According to Terese Tse Bartholomew in Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, Hong Kong, 2006, p. 54, the five-colored tail of the phoenix represents the five cardinal virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, knowledge and sincerity.