QING DYNASTY (1644-1911), 19TH CENTURY

Thought to be messengers of wisdom, the crane is one of the most auspicious birds in China and a popular motif in Chinese religion, mythology and literature. In the Huainanzi, a collection of essays that led to debates held in the court of Prince of Huainan in the 2nd century BCE, it is argued that the crane’s life is ‘up to 1,000 years, during which it can fly freely to its heart’s content.’ Given this impressive lifespan, cranes are also symbols of immortality and longevity, particularly red-crowned cranes, like those that graced the walls of the Getty’s main hallway, welcoming visitors.