Nine Phoenixes Greeting the Sun
Original Language Title九鳳朝陽 清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsImage: 20 1/4 × 18 3/16 inches (51.44 × 46.2 cm)
Sheet: 24 5/8 × 22 3/4 inches (62.55 × 57.79 cm)
Sheet: 24 5/8 × 22 3/4 inches (62.55 × 57.79 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/47
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionCentral circular field with nine phoenixes facing a palace building through clouds; field has border with twelve Zodiacal animals; square borders of officials and dragons; title at top.Gallery LabelNine Phoenixes suggests that citizens are content and peaceful when a country is prosperous. Below, Wealth offers the wish for good fortune coming from every direction. The 12 animals in the borders of both prints are Chinese Zodiac animals, each representing the sign of a lunar year, which bring blessings for peace. Also in the borders are several messengers who announce the news of the coming new season and year. Prints with dense patterns like these may also be used for decoration or for wrapping gifts.
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