Oriental Symbolism Information Sought

[hddennis]

Just acquired this ivory carving with rosewood base. I realize it is probably Chinese but wonder if I can find out what the artist was trying to depict. Is she supposed to represent a specific female. Does the bird in her hair signify anything? 

 

Thanks for any help, Howard Dennis

[John A Stuart]

Iyt is hard to id the bird. The kingfisher was a symbol of heavenly beauty. The crane on the panel was longevity. John

[hddennis]

7 hours ago, John A Stuart said:

Iyt is hard to id the bird. The kingfisher was a symbol of heavenly beauty. The crane on the panel was longevity. John

Thanks John, I'll try to get a better photo of the bird. When I first acquired this I thought she just had a messy hairdo but then realized it was a bird in her hair and thought that was odd and maybe represented something symbolic. 

Appreciate the help,

Howard Dennis

[Bazza]

It looks a bit like a Hou-ou bird...  The Japanese Phoenix.  A closer, better detail photo should clinch it.

http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/ho-oo-phoenix.shtml

 

BaZZa.

[hddennis]

Here's two better pictures showing the bird. When I first looked at this I thought she had a bird's head ornament holding her hair up. I now can see it is a complete bird sitting on the back of her hair.

 

Howard Dennis

[Shugyosha]

It looks like a Phoenix: apparently a symbol of the empress of China and of grace and femininity. https://www.grandauctions.co.uk/blog/chinese-symbolism-the-phoenix
 

Looks like she’s about to do something interesting with her robe so that might fit.