Phoenix (Ho-o)

"Phoenix" (Ho-o) depicts the legendary Chinese and Japanese mythological bird in its full visual splendor — the elaborate plumage combining elements of multiple real birds, the long tail feathers, the colors that in Chinese tradition correspond to the five elements and five virtues. The ho-o is associated with the imperial family in Japan and appears extensively in Japanese decorative arts, from temple bells to ancient shrines. Binnie's woodblock treatment would bring the bird's elaborate plumage to life through the full range of his color palette.