Phoenix Standing on a Tortoise

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Western Han dynasty, 206 BCE–9 CE
Date: 2nd century BCE
Material: Earthenware with traces of pigment
made in: China, Asia
Classification: Ceramics, sculpture
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 19 5/8 x 8 x 10 3/4 in. (49.8 x 20.3 x 27.3 cm)
Credit Line: Spink Asian Art Collection, Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 43:2014

NOTES

Phoenixes and tortoises were symbols of longevity and good fortune during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). They were also used to represent the cardinal directions, with the phoenix signifying south and the tortoise north. This phoenix and tortoise, once painted with white, black, and red pigments, were most likely made separately and their hollow bodies later joined together. The form and construction suggest that this object may have been used as a stand for a drum.

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