This art deco piece from the studios of LIULI Crystal Art comes from a collection of four mythical creatures — each correlating to a compass direction. With a deep background in Chinese cultural symbolism, the bird seen here in “Guardian of the South – Splendor of the Vermillion Bird” also called ‘Zhuniao’, refers to the phoenix. It is said to have the ability to be reborn from the fire, just like the immortal bird in western mythology, so it is also named fire phoenix. In Chinese legend, Zhuque is said to have a chicken’s head, swallow’s chin, snake’s neck, fish’s tail, and five-color feather. In ancient China, there are four mythical creatures with godly power which protect us from all devils and evil spirits. Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise; Azure Dragon is the guardian of the East, White Tiger is the guardian of the West, Vermillion Bird is the guardian of the South, Tortoise is the guardian of the North.