Peony Vase with Dragon and Phoenix
in Blue-and White with Colors
Ch'ien-lung Reign (1736 - 1795)
Ch'ing Dynasty

Carved Yellow Lacquer Dish with
Dragon-and-Phoenix Decor
Chia-ching Reign
Ming Dynasty (1522 - 1566)

The One Hundred Blessings and
Adornments of the Amitabha Buddha
(Year not specified)

The Vajracchedika-prajnaparamita (Diamond) Sutra
(Year not specified)

The Dragon and the Phoenix in Chinese Art
Auspicious Motifs for the New Millennium
Gallery 313
2000/1/25 - 2000/3/31

The dragon and phoenix are auspicious, supernatural creatures from ancient Chinese legend.  They have figured prominently in literature, art, and folk traditions thought the course of China's dynastic history.   In ancient times, the dragon and phoenix were important totemic images.  From these early representations, they were gradually transformed into auspicious symbols, and subsequently used o represent and praise virtuous monarchs.  Beginning in the Ch'in and Han dynasties, the dragon become directly associated with the imperial court, and was regarded as the symbol of the emperor.  The dragon and phoenix were also often depicted together as an auspicious symbol of the joining of male (dragon) and female (phoenix) elements.

To welcome the new year, celebrate the coming of the next millenium, and honor the Year of the Dragon, the National Palace Museum has specially selected a diverse assortment of art objects which feature auspicious dragons and phoenixes.  The items on display include embroidered sutra covers, bronzes, lacquerware, and ceramics.