Hem detail from a woman's court robe

A pair of phoenixes faces each other over the ocean, pierced by three standing rocks representing mountains. The mythical birds, thought to bring good fortune, are depicted with elaborate multicolored feathers and long tails. The sky is filled with flowers such as plums, camellias, and peonies (flowers of wealth and honor). Circles of pine needles (symbolizing longevity) appear at the top. A row of colorful heads of wish-granting wands (ruyi) a popular wish-ful.lling motif, frame the ocean.