It is not only part of the repertoire of the artist's symbols in the Chinese world of ideas, but is almost a necessity to the moulds of thought in eastern Asia.

Yet it is older than Confucius or the book-religions, and its conception shows one of the nobler sides of Animism.
The Feng-hwang or Phoenix, Japanese H[=o]-w[=o], the second of the incarnations of the spirits, is of wondrous form and mystic nature.

The rare advent of this bird upon the earth is, like that of the kirin or unicorn, a presage of the advent of virtuous rulers and good government.
It has the head of a pheasant, the beak of a swallow, the neck of a tortoise, and the features of the dragon and fish.

Its colors and streaming feathers are gorgeous with iridian sheen, combining the splendors of the pheasant and the peacock.

Its five colors symbolize the cardinal virtues of uprightness of mind, obedience, justice, fidelity and benevolence.