Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Head of a Fenghuang sculpture from the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River.

Fenghuang

Location Karakorum

Dating 13th-14th cent.

Epoch Mongolian empire

Material Ceramics

Type Excavation find

Description

Several fragments of bird sculptures were discovered in the kiln area on the banks of the Orkhon River. They are probably depictions of the ‘Fenghuang’, a mythical creature from East Asian culture often compared to the phoenix but not identical to it. This firebird symbolises virtue, grace, and longevity. It is often depicted holding a snake or another creature in its talons. The fragments of bird legs and claws found alongside sinister-looking creatures could therefore belong to Fenghuang sculptures.

The fragments found were either hollow figures or half-reliefs that were probably once joined together. Some of the fragments have a green glaze. Although models were used in their production, only two fragments appear to have been moulded from the same model.

 

Further fragments of Fenghuang sculptures were discovered during excavations in the northern city of Karakorum.

3D Visualisation