A symbol of harmony: Chinese scientists discover earliest dragon-phoenix pairing in ancient tomb

It sometimes guards kingdoms and empires; other times, it hoards treasures within a hidden cave. The dragon frequently symbolises power, strength, and good fortune. In contrast, its counterpart, the phoenix, meets its end in a pile of ashes only to be reborn at the pinnacle of its beauty, symbolising grace, beauty, and rebirth.

Individually, the dragon and phoenix are iconic figures in Chinese mythology. Together, these contrasting creatures embody a yin-and-yang that serves as an important emblem of harmony in Chinese history.

At its height, the dragon-and-phoenix image functioned as the state emblem of the Republic of China from 1913 to 1928, appearing on coins minted during that period. It was ultimately replaced when the Kuomintang came to power under Chiang Kai-shek.

However, the dual imagery of the dragon and phoenix reaches much further back in Chinese history, nearly to the dawn of China itself.

In mid-August, a group of scientists unveiled the discovery of the oldest known pairing of the dragon and phoenix, dating back about 4,300 years.

According to the Global Times, the symbols were positioned as clay statues about the size of a human body, placed beside the deceased in a grave located in Inner Mongolia, northern China.