Jardiniere with eagle and flowers

The Heroic Eagle
Like the falcon, the eagle (ying), a fierce hunter, represents boldness. Its name is similar in pronunciation to the first character of "hero" (yingxiong). The eagle is usually depicted by itself. It stands on one leg on a rock, representing the independent spirit of the hero who fights a long battle alone. An eagle depicted perched on a pine tree, a longevity symbol, conveys a wish that one will assume power or remain powerful for a long period of time. An object with this imagery is also a suitable gift for an older man, wishing him the strength of an eagle and the longevity of the pine. An object with an image of an eagle (ying) and bear (xiong) forms a rebus for hero (yingxiong), and would be an appropriate gift for someone in the military.

HIDDEN MEANING: May blooming flowers bring you prosperity (huakai fugui); Solitary hero (yingxiong duli).

Blooming flowers of the four seasons, which bring prosperity to the household, surround the eagle on this jardinière.