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Bìxié Winged Divine Beast

Bìxié Winged Divine Beast

Bìxié Winged Divine Beast

This Bìxié Winged Divine Beast is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature and is considered a powerful protector of practitioners of Feng Shui. A Bìxié is the female version of a Pixiu and resembles a strong, winged lion. Pixiu have feathered wings, a head like a dragon and a body like a lion. Traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu has always been regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth from all directions. According to the Chinese zodiac, it is especially helpful for those who are going through a bad year.

Pixiu

There are two different types of Pixiu, a male and a female. Their antlers show the physical difference. The one with two antlers is the female of the species and is called a “Bìxié,” and the one with one antler is the male of the species and is called a “Tiān lù.” The female of the species wards off evil. The male of the species is said to go out into the world in search of wealth and, bringing it home to its Master; the Bìxié is then said to hold onto it, guarding it within the home of the Master.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui originated in China and claims to use energy forces to harmonize people with their surrounding environment. The term feng shui translates as “wind-water” in English. The feng shui practice views architecture in terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together.

Historically, Feng Shui was widely used to orient buildings in an auspicious way. A promising site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, or stars, or the compass.

Bìxié Winged Divine Beast

  • Title:               Bìxié Winged Divine Beast
  • Date:              Southern Dynasties Period – 420 – 589 CE
  • Dimensions:   H: 118 cm
  • Material:        Stone

Reflections

  • Why are most ancient civilization’s mythical creatures all a hybrid of wings and lions or dragons?

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“After you – is good manners.”
– Chinese Proverb

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Photo Credit: JOM

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