Notes:
The phoenix, or feng huang, was a sacred bird of Chinese mythology believed to be king of all birds and symbol of good fortune, fertility and longevity. It is often depicted with the head of a pheasant, a long neck and the tail of a peacock and has long been regarded as the messenger of the Daoist Immortals.
A pair of vases of similar design, but with French ormolu mounts can be found in the collection of the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore (VO.36 49.1023, 49.1024)
