Animals
Included on this page is images of bronze animal statues that are throughout The Palace Museum. Animals and what they represent played a major role in the significance of the statues and their placement throughout the Forbidden City. Many of these statues were intended to ward off bad spirits and bring positivity, in various forms, to those who lived there.
Kneeling Elephant
Elephants in ancient China represented good fortune, power, and dignity, and had a reputation for peace. In Buddhism, elephants represent the divine.
Deer
In ancient China, deer represent romance, health and longevity, and longing for political power.
Phoenix, Crane, & Cistern
Phoenix represents good fortune and was a totem for empresses. Crane are conveyances of immortals and represent longevity. Cisterns were used to hold water for the palaces.