Author Adrien von Ferscht notes that the bird with elongated neck surrounded by flowers is a "fènghuáng, the Chinese equivalent of a Western phoenix." Ferscht further explains that "in the West the phoenix is symbolic of regeneration and renewal. The Chinese have the fènghuáng which, although it may resemble a phoenix to a Western eye, has a far more complex allegorical meaning. It is a symbol of high virtue and grace and also symbolises the union of yin and yang. Each part of the fènghuáng's body symbolizes a word, the head represents virtue, the wing represents duty, the back represents propriety, the abdomen says credibility and the chest represents mercy. Having been associated with the Chinese for over 8000 years, one could say it represents the collective soul of the Chinese even though in times past it was the symbol of the Imperial house. Dynasties fall; the Chinese soul does not. The  fènghuáng may best be described as a compound of many birds that includes the head of a golden pheasant, the body of a mandarin duck, the tail of a peacock, the legs of a crane, the mouth of a parrot, and the wings of a swallow - a complex allegorical species. In this respect it can be likened to Chinese Export Silver; a complex composite - a hybrid."

For further information please see Adrien von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940 – The Definitive Collectors’ Guide, 4th Edition, Glasgow and Beijing, January 2015.