The crane is one of the many emblems of longevity and wisdom, and is often depicted in paintings alongside pine trees, deer, or stones to represent eternal youth. One Chinese fable says that once the crane reaches 600 years old it no longer needs to eat, and in art and literature immortals are often shown riding red-crowned cranes.
When shown near bamboo cranes are an emblem of nobleness or purity. And as they are monogamous and stay with one partner until death, they are said to symbolise loyalty and long-lasting love in marriage.
The eagle is a symbol of strength and resolve, although it is not widely seen in Chinese art. For the Huns who travelled through central Asia from the 1st century BC to the end of the 2nd century AD, the eagle symbolised the ruler, and although this is similar to how the eagle is regarded in the west, in China, the condor is seen as a much more powerful bird.
How an eagle is depicted also changes its meaning. For example, if it is shown in a pine tree it is representing strength in old age, while perched on a rock, it is symbolising a lonely struggle. Eagles are sometimes paired with a bear to represent a hero because the word for hero has the same sound as ‘eagle and bear’. When the eagle is depicted struggling with a snake, the reference is to the Indian garuda bird.
The magpie is a bird of joy and a good omen who often brings married bliss or heralds good news or the arrival of a guest. “Two magpies” is pronounced in the same way as “two happinesses” so a painting of two magpies is a metaphor for double happiness and is often given as a way of expressing congratulations particularly for a wedding.
There is a Chinese myth that if a man and a wife have to separate for some time they should break a mirror and take half each. If the woman succumbs to other men during the separation, her half of the mirror will turn into a magpie and fly back to the husband.
The mandarin duck is native to East Asia, and in Chinese culture it’s believed that they mate for life and when one dies its mate will grieve until it also dies. (Although mandarin ducks may form pair bonds for several seasons which is more than other species of duck, they aren’t monogamous for life, and certainly don’t die of a broken heart.)
It is therefore a symbol for love, fidelity, and marital happiness and are a popular motif on wedding gifts. When pictured with a lotus flower in its bill, it’s representing a hope for children, while a mandarin duck and a butterfly together symbolises unrequited love.
The oriole is the bird of joy and music and is often the symbol for “sing-song” girls.
The Chinese, like many other cultures, see the owl as a bird of ill omen. The owl was common in burial ceramics of the Han dynasty which was contemporary with the Roman Empire to which the Chinese had extensive trade relations. In Greece, Athens was known as “the city of the owl” as the Acropolis was full of them. In Chinese export porcelain decorations of an owl can sometimes be found as a tribute to Athena.
The pheasant is a symbol of ill omen and is believed to turn into an oyster or a snake during the winter months. It is connected to seduction and extra-marital affairs. A golden pheasant will long tail feathers was the symbol of an official in civil service.
The quail is the symbol of courage as in rural China quail-fights, like cock-fights, were a popular pastime. The quail is also a symbol for peace and harmony between generations living together.
The raven is a symbol of bad omen and often contrasted with the magpie, the bird of good omen.
The swallow is the harbinger of spring and symbolises success, happiness and children and the relationship between elder and younger brother.