Phoenix

The phoenix is regarded as an auspicious bird which is supreme among feathered creatures in ancient time.  It is the totem of an ancient tribe.

It is also one of the four supernatural creatures (dragon, tiger, zhu que (phoenix) and tortoise) which protect the 4 directions of the heaven.  It presides over the Southern quadrant and symbolises sun and warmth for summer and harvest.  Since ancient time, it was a belief that the phoenix's appearance signifies the appearance of a benevolent ruler.  It's last appearance was said to be at Feng Huang in Anhui, where it scratched at Ming emperor Hongwu's father's grave.  The incident was probably a propaganda to legitimise Hongwu's rule over China. 

The phoenix also symbolises the empress .  Hence, the ceremonial costume of the empress is adorned with phoenix motif.

Since the Tang Dynasty, the phoenix motif was used on ceramics.    Favourite designs include phoenix among flower, phoenix on wu tong tree (dryandra) as according to legend it is the only tree that the phoenix will reside on and phoenix in cloud.   In the Ming and Qing period, it is also common to find phoenix together with dragon which symbolises an auspicious union.