Dish with noble phoenix and mythic creatures

Mythical animals, such as the ones depicted here among auspicious flowers, are believed to bring peace and blessings. In traditional Chinese culture, the legendary phoenix is the emperor of all birds. Its five-colored tail is named for the Five Cardinal Virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, knowledge, and sincerity. The phoenix augurs the emergence of an able ruler or the birth of a great man, for it appeared when Confucius was born. The bird is also the primary motif for the Empress of China, ornamenting her crown as well as her clothing.