Fenghuang

Is it a bird, is it a monster... what is this fantastical creature that looks like it is on fire? It is a fenghuang, a Chinese mythical bird that reigns over all other birds. In the Western world it is usually called a Chinese phoenix. The fenghuang was commonly depicted attacking snakes with its talons and its wings spread, and indeed we see two snakes hiding behind some flowers. It is believed that the bird only appears in places that are blessed with utmost peace and prosperity or happiness. Why did the patron request fenghuangs to be painted? Was he longing for prosperity and happiness? Or was it simply an exotic image, copied from imports of Chinese porcelain?