Man Riding a Phoenix

One of the many glazed ceramic figures that adorn Imperial Chinese architecture. The yellow color is reserved for China’s emperors. There are numerous interpretations of the meaning of the procession of figures found on numerous old edifices.

One interpretation suggests that the man at the head of the procession is employed in the service of the emperor and that the mythical beasts trailing him stand ready to devour him if he ever becomes disloyal to the emperor. The dragon at the end of the procession represents the authority of the Chinese state. The above photo was taken in the Forbidden City (Beijing, China)—June 13, 2013

I also want to thank Fu Zhicheng, Chen Xihua, Jihe, Yanqiong, Yanjun, and Lulu for all their assistance while in China. Your help was invaluable in helping make the experience an unforgettable one.