PHOENIX

Stylised phoenix birds floating on outstretched wings amongst scrolling hibiscus stems are colourfully depicted in pinks, powerder blue, lime green and imperial yellow in de Gournay’s Phoenix design. The pattern is inspired by an original model bearing masks placing it in the Hall for the Cultivation of Virtue built within the Old Summer Palace for the Daoguang emeror and dating from the first half of the 19th century. In the language of Chinese mythology, the phoenix symbolises the highest virtue, grace, power and prosperity.