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{{Short description|Chinese mythical hybrid creature}}
{{distinguish|Bixi (mythology)|Pixiv}}
{{Distinguish|Bixi (mythology)|Pixiv}}
{{short description|Chinese mythical hybrid creature}}
{{copyedit|Improve readability and dense paragraphs|date=January 2021}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2021}}

{{Infobox Chinese
{{Infobox Chinese
|ci=|title=Pixiu
| ci =
| title = Pixiu
| altname =
|altname=|pic=pixiu_qianlong.jpg|piccap=Pixiu
| pic = Tomb Yongning of the Ts'en Dynasty.JPG
|c=貔貅
| piccap = Pixiu
|t=|s=|p=píxiū|w=|j=|y=|poj=|mi=|h=
| c = {{Linktext|貔貅}}
|kanji=|hiragana=|romaji=
| l = panther
|qn=
| t =
|c2=辟邪
| s =
|p2=bìxié|w2=|j2=|y2=|poj2=phì-siâ, phek-siâ|h2=
| p = píxiū
|l2=to ward off evil spirits
| w = pʻi2-hsiu1
|hangul=비휴
| j =
|hanja=貔貅
| y =
| poj =
| mi =
| h =
| c2 = {{Linktext|辟邪}}
| p2 = bìxié
| w2 = pi4-hsieh2
| j2 =
| y2 =
| poj2 = phiah-siâ, phek-siâ, phì-siâ
| h2 =
| l2 = to ward off evil spirits
| hangul = 비휴
| hanja = 豼貅
| kanji = 貔貅
| hiragana = ひきゅう
| romaji = hikyū
| qn =
| chuhan =
| chunom =
}}
}}


'''Pixiu''' ({{lang-zh|c={{linktext|貔貅}}|p=píxiū|w=pʻi2-hsiu1|j=|cy=|sl=|poj=|zhu=|l=|labels=|links=|first=|scase=}}; {{Old Chinese|bi qʰu|貔貅}}) is a [[Chinese myth]]ical [[Hybrid (mythology)|hybrid]] creature. Pixiu are considered powerful protectors of the [[Soul|souls of the dead]], ''[[Xian (Taoism)|xian]]'',<ref name=":42">{{Cite book |last=Scarpari |first=Maurizio |title=Ancient China: Chinese Civilization from the Origins to the Tang Dynasty |publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]] |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7607-8379-5 |location=New York |pages=222 |translator-last=Milan |translator-first=A.B.A.}}</ref> and [[feng shui]] practitioners, and resemble strong, winged lions. A Pixiu is an earth and sea variation{{Clarify|reason=of what?|date=March 2021}}, particularly an influential and auspicious creature for wealth, and is said to have a voracious appetite exclusively for gold, silver, and jewels. Therefore, traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu have always been regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing ''cai qi'' ({{lang|zh-hant|財氣}} wealth) from all directions,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.tianlu.sg/yutianlu_eng.htm | title=天禄之家 WWW.tianlu.sg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions2337.html |title=Pixiu - China culture |access-date=2014-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202184235/http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions2337.html |archive-date=2014-12-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and according to the [[Chinese zodiac]], it is especially helpful for those who are going through a bad year.
[[File:Segalen-25-Qi-Wudi-Chimera-left.jpg|right|thumb|260x260px|A Chinese Pixiu, ({{zh|c={{linktext|貔貅}}|p=píxiū|w=P'i-hsiu}}) head of a [[Chinese dragon]], body of a [[lion]] and with a pair of feathered [[wing]]s, at the tomb of [[Emperor Wu of Southern Qi]] ([[Emperor Wu of Southern Qi|Xiao Ze]]) in Danyang (near Nanjing, China).]]
[[File:Nanjing - Chaotian Palace - Bixie.jpg|right|thumb|260x260px|A Chinese pixiu, part [[Chinese dragon]], part [[lion]] and with feathered [[wing]]s, [[Chaotian Palace]], [[Nanjing]].]]
'''Pixiu''' ({{zh|c=|p=píxiū|w=P'i-hsiu|labels=no|s=|t={{linktext|貔貅}}}}) is a [[Chinese myth]]ical [[Hybrid (mythology)|hybrid]] creature, commonly (but incorrectly) referred to in the West by the Greek word "chimera", and considered a powerful protector of practitioners of [[feng shui]]. It resembles a strong, winged lion. ''Pixiu'' is an earth and sea variation, particularly an influential and auspicious creature for wealth. It is said to have a voracious appetite towards only gold, silver and jewels. Therefore, traditionally to the Chinese, pixiu have always been regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing ''Cai Qi'' ({{lang|zh-hant|財氣}} wealth) from all directions.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.tianlu.sg/yutianlu_eng.htm | title=天禄之家 WWW.tianlu.sg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions2337.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202184235/http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions2337.html |archive-date=2014-12-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Because of this, according to [[Chinese zodiac]], it is especially helpful for those who are going through a bad year.


There are two different types of pixiu, a male and a female. The physical difference is seen by their [[antler]]s. 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 "'''''tiānlù'''''".<ref name=":0" />
There are two types of Pixiu that are categorised by their [[antler]]s. The one with two antlers is the female and is called a ''Bìxié'', and the one with one antler is the male and is called a ''Tiānlù''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|script-title=zh:貔貅|trans-title=Pìxiū|url=http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/hikyu-beast.html|website=onmarkproductions.com}}</ref>


*'''Bìxié''' ({{zh|c={{linktext|辟邪}}|p=bìxié|w=pi-hsieh|labels=no}}; lit. "to ward off evil spirits") - The female of the species; wards off evil. It is also believed that bìxié has the ability of assisting anyone who is [[suffering]] from bad feng shui that is due to having offended the [[Tai Sui|Grand Duke Jupiter]] (also called [[Tai sui]] ({{lang|zh-hant|太歲}}).
*''Bìxié'' ({{zh|c={{linktext|辟邪}}|p=bìxié|w=pi-hsieh|labels=no}}; lit. "to ward off evil spirits"): The female of the species wards off evil. It is also believed that ''Bìxié'' have the ability to assist anyone who is suffering from bad feng shui from having offended [[Tai Sui]] ({{lang|zh-hant|太歲}}).
*'''Tiānlù''' ({{zh|t=天祿|p=tiānlù|w=t'ien-lu|labels=no|c=|s=}}) - The male of the species; in charge of wealth. Tiānlù is said to go out into the world in search of gold and other forms 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. Displaying tiānlù at home or in the office is said to prevent wealth from flowing away.
*''Tiānlù'' ({{zh|t=天祿|p=tiānlù|w=t'ien-lu|labels=no|c=|s=}}): The male of the species is in charge of wealth. It is said to go out into the world to search for gold and other forms of wealth. When it returns to its master's house, the ''Bìxié'' is then said to guard the riches. Displaying ''Tiānlù'' at home or in the office is said to prevent wealth from flowing away.


pixiu crave the smell of gold and silver and like to bring their masters [[money]] in their mouth. [[Statue]]s of this creature are often used to attract [[wealth]] in [[feng shui]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=48, 49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref>
Pixiu crave the smell of gold and silver and like to bring their masters money in their mouth. Statues of this creature are often used to attract wealth in feng shui.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Bates|first=Roy|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=48, 49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref>


Today, Pixiu are a popular design on jade pendants.
Today, pixiu are also a popular design on [[jade]] [[pendant]]s. It was also featured as a design on the sword of Fa Mulan's character in the 1998 Disney animated feature ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]''.


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
Pixiu are auspicious, winged animals, written about in ancient Chinese history and heralded through the millennia by fantastic stories of powerful and grandiose feats of victory in battle.<ref name=":3" /> Their legend has been passed down through 2,000 years of Chinese lore. They have the head of a Chinese dragon, the body of a lion, and historically sport on their heads either one antler (male) or two antlers (female). In modern times, this legendary creature's historical physical appearance has been somewhat lost, and is now more commonly depicted with only one antler.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Book of Han|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Han|volume=96}}</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2021}}
[[Image:Pixiu3.jpg|thumb|left|<center>pixiu</center>]]
[[File:Funerary Sculpture of a Chimera (Bixie) LACMA AC1997.1.1.jpg|thumb|A sculpture of a Chinese Pixiu "Bìxié" − a female pixiu with two antlers. [[Los Angeles County Museum of Art]] (LACMA)]]
Fierce-looking and covered with whitish-grey [[fur]], pixiu are a type of auspicious, winged animal, written about in ancient Chinese history and heralded through the millennia by fantastic stories of powerful and grandiose feats of victory in battle.<ref name=":3" /> Their fantastic legend has been passed down through two-thousand years of Chinese lore. They have the powerful head of a Chinese dragon, the bold body of a lion, and—historically—sport on their heads either one antler (male) or two antlers (female). In modern times, the historical physical appearance of this legendary creature has been somewhat lost, and, as time has passed, it is now more commonly depicted with only one antler, which would be a male according to the ancient descriptions.<ref name=":4" />


Ancient Chinese descriptions, depictions and stone carvings of pixiu from the [[Han dynasty]] (206 BC–220 AD) show the male with a single [[antler]] and the female with two. As with the [[Fenghuang|Chinese Phoenix]], the common image today is a representation of a single sex with one antler (male). Pixiu have protruding eyes and sharp teeth. Its strong body resembles a [[Chinese lion]] and its feet have [[paw]]s and [[claw]]s. There is one ancient, stone sculpture variation found with hooves, but all pixiu always have wings. Many have a bifurcated (split) tail that hangs low and downward, covering their buttocks and rectums, a representative metaphor that they hold gold inside their stomachs but will not let it out.
Ancient Chinese descriptions, depictions and stone carvings of Pixiu from the [[Han dynasty]] (206 BC{{snd}}220 AD) show the male with a single antler and the female with two. As with the [[Fenghuang|Chinese phoenix]], the common image today represents a single gender with one antler (male). Pixiu have protruding eyes and sharp teeth. There is one ancient stone sculpture variation found with hooves, but all Pixiu have wings. Many have a bifurcated (split) tail that hangs low and downward that covers its rear, a representative metaphor that they hold gold inside their stomachs but will not let it out.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}


Imperial ''Pixiu'' used during the [[Qing dynasty]] developed the physical characteristic of a fatter, more rotund body, indicating a stomach that could be loaded with unlimited amounts of gold and all forms of wealth and good fortune.
Looking at the posture of pixiu, the creatures seem to project a sense of strength, elegance and mobility. Likewise, they have a big, opened mouth ready to gobble up gold and fortunes for its master. Because of this, a pixiu statue is often employed in the home as a way of receiving and keeping fortunes and wealth.


Due to their similar appearances, Pixiu are often confused with [[Imperial guardian lions|stone lion]]s and [[qilin]], but they can easily be distinguished from those two animals by its pair of feathered wings with which it can fly between Heaven and Earth.<ref name=":1" />
Imperial pixiu used during the Qing dynasty developed the physical characteristic of a fatter, more rotund body, indicating a stomach that could be loaded with unlimited amounts of gold and all forms of wealth and good fortune.


In the [[Eastern Han dynasty]], pixiu were thought to be able to fly into the realm of immortals or ''xian''<ref name=":42" /> by Daoists and a minority of Confucianists.
Due to their similar appearances, the pixiu is often confused with [[Imperial guardian lions|stone lion]]s and ''"Qilin"'', but pixiu can easily be distinguished apart from those two animals by its pair of feathered wings with which it can fly between Heaven and Earth.<ref name=":1" />


==Mythology==
==Mythology==
One story of the Pixiu says that it violated a law of [[Heaven]] by defecating on the floor of Heaven. When it was found out, it was punished by a spanking from the [[Jade Emperor]]. The spanking was hard enough to cause its anus to be permanently sealed. The Jade Emperor further declared that the diet of the Pixiu would be restricted to gold, silver, and jewels.
[[File:Tomb Yongning of the Ts'en Dynasty.JPG|thumb|pixiu are a type of ancient mythological, guardian animal species that have '''feathered wings''', a head like a dragon and a body like a lion (sometimes described as a body like a horse). The male pixiu of this winged, mythological animal species is called a ''“Tiānlù"''<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref> and he bears a single antler on his head; ''Pixiu'' females, also with wings, are called ''“Bìxié”''.<ref name=":1"/> They look exactly like their winged male counterparts, except they grow '''two'''<ref name=":1"/> antlers on their heads rather than one. All pixiu fly between Earth and Heaven where they patrol and fight against demons and other evil creatures.<ref name="Bates 2008 49">{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books, Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|page=49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref> "The mythological, dragon-headed, lion-bodied Pìxiū {{lang|zh|貔貅}} (also spelled {{lang|zh|豼貅}}) were traditionally depicted in China as a male-female pair, one with a single horn (male, Pì {{lang|zh|貔}}) and the other with two horns (female, Xiū {{lang|zh|貅}})".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/hikyu-beast.html|trans-title=Pìxiū |script-title=zh:貔貅|website=onmarkproductions.com}}</ref> [[National Palace Museum]] (Taipei, Taiwan): ''“In China during the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the [https://www.npm.gov.tw/exh100/treasures/en/img2_3.html pi-hsieh (aka Bixie)]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npm.gov.tw/fr/Article.aspx?sNo=04001022&print=1|title=Animal Bixie en jade, Dynastie Han (206 av. J.-C.-220)|website=npm.gov.tw|language=fr}}</ref> ''were commonly represented as '''winged''', four-legged beasts, a form that was probably transmitted from Western Asia."'']]


Another story describes the Pixiu as the well-behaved, youngest son of the Dragon King and was spoiled by its parents. One day, Pixiu played on the Dragon King's desk and accidentally broke a seal that represented the power of the Dragon King. The Dragon King became very angry and used magic to turn Pixiu into an animal. He then sealed his rectum and declared that from then on, Pixiu could only eat things representing wealth.<ref>{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=51|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref>
One story of the pixiu tells that it violated a law of [[Heaven]] by defecating on the floor of Heaven. When it was found out, it was punished by a spanking executed by the [[Jade Emperor]]. The spanking was hard enough to cause its rectum to be permanently sealed. The [[Jade Emperor]] further declared that the diet of the pixiu would be restricted to gold, silver and jewels. This is why pixiu can eat [[gold]], silver and jewels but cannot expel it. This is one of the origins of the status of pixiu statues as a symbol of the acquisition and preservation of wealth.


Another story says that pixiu was the well-behaved, youngest son of the Dragon King and was spoiled by its parents. One day, pixiu was playing on the Dragon King's desk and accidentally broke a very important seal that represented the power of the Dragon King. The Dragon King became very angry and used magic to turn pixiu into an animal. He then sealed his rectum and declared that from then on, pixiu could only eat things that represented wealth, such as gold, silver and jewels.<ref>{{Cite book|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|last=Bates|first=Roy|publisher=TuDragon Books Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|pages=51|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref>
Pixiu have a reputation of being fierce creatures. The large fangs visible in their mouths are used to attack demons and evil spirits, draining their essence and converting it to wealth. Pixiu also guard against disease caused by these evil spirits. It is written that Pixiu patrol the Heavens to keep demons at bay and to protect their owners from all harm.<ref name="Bates 2008 49">{{Cite book|last=Bates|first=Roy|title=29 Chinese Mysteries|publisher=TuDragon Books, Ltd|year=2008|location=Beijing, China|page=49|chapter=Chapter 7}}</ref>


It was believed that the ferociously devoted Pixiu would always and constantly guard its master, even after he passed from this life onto the next world. It was also believed that Pixiu would help their masters ascend to heaven by flying them up to Heaven on their backs.<ref name=":3" />
Pixiu was reputed as a very fierce creature. The large [[canine tooth|fang]]s, visible in the creatures' snarling mouths, are used to attack demons and evil spirits, draining their essence and converting it to wealth. Pixiu also guard against disease caused by these same evil spirits. It is written that pixiu patrols the Heavens to keep demons at bay and to protect their owners from all harm.<ref name="Bates 2008 49"/>


==History==
It was believed that the ferociously devoted pixiu would always and constantly guard its Master, even after he passed from this life into the next world. It was also believed that pixiu would help their Masters ascend to heaven by flying them up to Heaven while they rode on their strong backs.<ref name=":3" />
[[File:Ming Dynasty wood carving books in Tian Yi Chamber colllection.JPG|thumb|Book of Han, Tian Yi Chamber Library Collection]]


Pixiu appear to have their origin in the [[Han dynasty]] (206 BC–220 AD) where they are found mentioned and were originally called ''Táo bá'' in chapter 96 of the [[Book of Han]].
== History ==
"Pixiu" appear to have their origin in the [[Han dynasty]] (206 BC–220 AD) where they are found mentioned and were originally called '''''"táo bá"''''' in the [[Book of Han]], an ancient written account of the history of China.


An annotation describes the female and male ''Táo bá'' to have antlers like a deer, where the male (''Tiānlù'') has one antler, and the female (''Bìxié'') two. In tribute to the legend of the ferocity and prowess of the Pixiu in battle, it became synonymous with the army in ancient [[China]]. The word ''Pixiu'', interpreted as meaning "fierce beast" and also "brave warrior", was used as a symbol on battle flags and banners.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions1548.html|title=Tianlu and Bixie|website=cultural-china.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412192128/http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions1548.html|archive-date=2017-04-12|url-status=dead|access-date=March 18, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Ming Dynasty wood carving books in Tian Yi Chamber colllection.JPG|left|thumb|350x350px|Book of Han, Tian Yi Chamber Library Collection. The [[Tian Yi Ge]], [[Ningbo]], [[Zhejiang]] Province, [[China]] is the oldest library in China; Photo supplied by Wikipedia User:Gisling]]
The Book of Han was completed in the year 111 A.D. In Chapter 96, it is written, <blockquote>''"In the country of Wū Gē Shān Lí there exist creatures called "táo bá" (meaning "selected peach"), lions and rhinoceros."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Han |title=Book of Han |volume= 96}}</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2017}} -from the section entitled Accounts of the Western Regions.'' </blockquote>An annotation is also found therein where the female and male "táo bá" are further described as having antlers like a deer, but the male, which was referred to as “tiānlù", has only one antler, while the female, referred to as "Bìxié", has two antlers.


[[Emperor Wu of Han|Emperor Wu]] of the Han dynasty declared that the Pixiu, who obtained and guarded the Master's gold, would be forever known as the "Treasure of the Emperor".<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=Pi Xiu Celestial Coming with Fortune|last=Li|first=Jinn|publisher=Estalontech (PublishDrive)|year=2015|isbn=9789634280958}}</ref> It is said the Emperor declared that only royal personage could possess a Pixiu and it was strictly forbidden for all others to own one, including officials.<ref name=":2" /> This law was kept through to the end of the [[Qing dynasty]].<ref name=":2" />
In tribute to the legend of the ferocity and prowess of the pixiu in [[battle]], the pixiu became synonymous with the [[army]] in ancient [[China]]. In fact, the word ''"pixiu"'', interpreted as meaning "fierce beast" and also "brave warrior", was used as a symbol on battle flags and banners.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions1548.html|title=Tianlu and Bixie|website=cultural-china.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412192128/http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/13Traditions1548.html|archive-date=2017-04-12|url-status=dead|access-date=March 18, 2017}}</ref>


==Architecture==
The [[Emperor Wu of Han|Emperor Wu]] of the Han dynasty, in ancient China, declared that the wonderful, magnificent and devoted pixiu, who obtained and guarded the Master's gold, would be forever known as the "Treasure of the Emperor".<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=Pi Xiu Celestial Coming with Fortune|last=Li|first=Jinn|publisher=Estalontech (PublishDrive)|year=2015|isbn=9789634280958}}</ref> It is said that the Emperor declared that only Royal persons could possess a pixiu and it was strictly forbidden for all others to own one, including officials.<ref name=":2" /> This law was kept through to the end of the Qing dynasty.<ref name=":2" />
During China's history, Pixiu were commonly displayed in ancient architecture to ward off y''in qi'' ({{lang|zh-hant|陰氣}}) and to harness auspicious ''[[qi]]''.


Statues of Pixiu are commonly found on the four corners of the roofs of houses, palaces and halls of the most important people such as the [[Emperor of China|Chinese Emperor]]. The Pixiu sits behind the dragon, the phoenix, the winged horse, the seahorse, and other, similar creatures.
== Chinese Architecture ==
[[File:HighStatusRoofDeco.jpg|left|thumb|330x330px|Ceramic figures decorating the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Imperial Palace Museum. The 10 mystical beasts indicate the highest status in the empire for this building. Picture taken late September 2002 by Leonard G.]]


In ancient China, stone statues of Pixiu were also used as tomb guardians of Han dynasty emperors and other royal persons.
During China's history, pixiu were commonly displayed in ancient architecture to ward off ''Yin Qi'' ({{lang|zh-hant|陰氣}}) and to harness auspicious ''[[Qi]]''.


==Feng shui==
The statues of a pixiu are commonly found on the four corners of the roofs of houses, palaces and halls of the most important people such as the [[Emperor of China|Chinese Emperor]]. The pixiu sits behind the dragon, the phoenix, the winged horse, the sea horse, and other, similar creatures in a guarding manner.
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2021}}
In [[feng shui]], Pixiu ({{Abbr|aka|also known as}} ''Piyao'' in some modern cultural translations) is the heavenly variation of a creature of good fortune. They are said to have the power to assist anyone suffering from bad feng shui due to having offended [[Tai Sui]].


==Gallery==
[[File:Tomb of Xiao Rong - P1200114.JPG|thumb|330x330px|A very large pair of winged, stone pixiu guarding a tomb in China.]]
<gallery class="center" widths="180" heights="180" mode="packed">
In ancient China, stone statues of pixiu (bixie) were also used as tomb guardians of Han dynasty emperors and other royal persons.
pixiu_qianlong.jpg
Segalen-25-Qi-Wudi-Chimera-left.jpg|A Chinese Pixiu, ({{zh|c={{linktext|貔貅}}|p=píxiū|w=P'i-hsiu}}) head of a [[Chinese dragon]], body of a [[lion]] and with a pair of feathered [[wing]]s, at the tomb of [[Emperor Wu of Southern Qi]] ([[Emperor Wu of Southern Qi|Xiao Ze]]) in Danyang (near Nanjing, China).
Funerary Sculpture of a Chimera (Bixie) LACMA AC1997.1.1.jpg|A sculpture of a Chinese Pixiu "Bìxié" − a female pixiu with two antlers. [[Los Angeles County Museum of Art]] (LACMA)
Nanjing - Chaotian Palace - Bixie.jpg|A Chinese pixiu, part [[Chinese dragon]], part [[lion]] and with feathered [[wing]]s, in [[Chaotian Palace]], [[Nanjing]]
Tomb of Xiao Rong - P1200114.JPG|A very large pair of winged, stone pixiu guarding a tomb in China
HighStatusRoofDeco.jpg|Ceramic figures decorating the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Imperial Palace Museum. The 9 mystical beasts indicate the highest status in the empire for this building. Picture taken late September 2002 by Leonard G
</gallery>


==Feng shui==
==In popular culture==
In ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]''. Pixiu is featured as a design on the sword of Fa Mulan's.
In [[Feng shui]], pixiu (aka ''"Piyao"'' in some modern cultural translations) is the heavenly variation of a particularly powerful and auspicious creature of good fortune. They are said to have the power to assist anyone suffering from bad Feng shui due to having offended the [[Grand Duke Jupiter]] ([[Tai Sui]]). In 2005, the Grand Duke resided in the West, so those born in the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|year of the Rabbit]] will have been in conflict with him. Practitioners of feng shui should ensure that they display the pixiu (Piyao) in the West to appease Tai Sui. The pixiu (Pi Yao) should also be displayed in homes for those enduring a period of bad luck soon after moving into a new home or soon after undertaking renovations. In 2006, ''[[Tai Sui]]'' moved to the Northwest. His exact position in 2006 is West-Northwest.


In ''[[DuckTales (2017 TV series)|DuckTales]]'' of 2017, Pixiu serves as a minor antagonist.
*Pixiu (aka "''Pi Yao''" in some modern cultural translations) - must be placed facing out of the house.

*Displaying pixiu ''(Pi Yao)'' at the affected area of the house or office can avoid misfortune and disasters.
In ''[[American Born Chinese (TV series)|American Born Chinese]]'', [[Shiji Niangniang]] has a pet Pixiu that was turned into a dog, along with having his anus sealed, after he pooped in the [[Jade Emperor]]'s pond.
*For displaying towards openings or entrance, a pair of pixiu ''(piyao)'' is needed.
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*Tiānlù (male ''pixiu'' with one antler) and Bìxié (female ''pixiu'' with two antlers) are utilized for attracting and keeping wealth; you may place them in the desired wealth area, such as an attractive wealth area or an accumulative wealth area.

*Do not place pixiu facing directly on any person like a confronting position.
In [[Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon]], Pixiu as Hikyumaru serves as the next main antagonist with titled of ''Dark Destructive God'' after Kirinmaru.
*Ideally, pixiu should not be placed on the floor and they should never be placed above eye level.
-->
*One cannot touch the mouth of pixiu because the touching of their mouths would ruin the wealth.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Chinese culture]]
{{commons category|Pixiu}}
* [[Chinese spiritual world concepts]]
*[[Feng shui]]
*[[Imperial guardian lion]]
* [[Feng shui]]
*[[Qilin]]
* [[Fenghuang]]
* [[Four Symbols|Four symbols]]
*[[Unicorn]]
* [[Imperial guardian lion]]
* [[Legendary creature]]
* [[Qilin]]
* [[Simurgh]]
* [[Xiezhi]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Pixiu}}


{{Chinese mythology}}
==References and footnote==
{{reflist}}{{Chinese mythology}}


[[Category:Chinese legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Chinese legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Geomancy]]
[[Category:Geomancy]]
[[Category:Mythological hybrids]]
[[Category:Mythological hybrids]]
[[Category:Mythological lions]]

Latest revision as of 08:27, 22 October 2024

Not to be confused with Bixi (mythology) or Pixiv.
Pixiu
Pixiu
Chinese name
Chinese貔貅
Literal meaningpanther
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinpíxiū
Wade–Gilespʻi2-hsiu1
Alternative Chinese name
Chinese辟邪
Literal meaningto ward off evil spirits
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinbìxié
Wade–Gilespi4-hsieh2
Southern Min
Hokkien POJphiah-siâ, phek-siâ, phì-siâ
Korean name
Hangul비휴
Hanja豼貅
Japanese name
Kanji貔貅
Hiraganaひきゅう
Transcriptions
Romanizationhikyū

Pixiu (Chinese: 貔貅; pinyin: píxiū; Wade–Giles: pʻi2-hsiu1; 貔貅, OC:*‍bi qʰu) is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature. Pixiu are considered powerful protectors of the souls of the dead, xian,[1] and feng shui practitioners, and resemble strong, winged lions. A Pixiu is an earth and sea variation[clarification needed], particularly an influential and auspicious creature for wealth, and is said to have a voracious appetite exclusively for gold, silver, and jewels. Therefore, traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu have always been regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing cai qi (財氣 wealth) from all directions,[2][3] and according to the Chinese zodiac, it is especially helpful for those who are going through a bad year.

There are two types of Pixiu that are categorised by their antlers. The one with two antlers is the female and is called a Bìxié, and the one with one antler is the male and is called a Tiānlù.[4]

  • Bìxié (辟邪; bìxié; pi-hsieh; lit. "to ward off evil spirits"): The female of the species wards off evil. It is also believed that Bìxié have the ability to assist anyone who is suffering from bad feng shui from having offended Tai Sui (太歲).
  • Tiānlù (天祿; tiānlù; t'ien-lu): The male of the species is in charge of wealth. It is said to go out into the world to search for gold and other forms of wealth. When it returns to its master's house, the Bìxié is then said to guard the riches. Displaying Tiānlù at home or in the office is said to prevent wealth from flowing away.

Pixiu crave the smell of gold and silver and like to bring their masters money in their mouth. Statues of this creature are often used to attract wealth in feng shui.[5][6]

Today, Pixiu are a popular design on jade pendants.

Characteristics

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Pixiu are auspicious, winged animals, written about in ancient Chinese history and heralded through the millennia by fantastic stories of powerful and grandiose feats of victory in battle.[7] Their legend has been passed down through 2,000 years of Chinese lore. They have the head of a Chinese dragon, the body of a lion, and historically sport on their heads either one antler (male) or two antlers (female). In modern times, this legendary creature's historical physical appearance has been somewhat lost, and is now more commonly depicted with only one antler.[8][circular reference]

Ancient Chinese descriptions, depictions and stone carvings of Pixiu from the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) show the male with a single antler and the female with two. As with the Chinese phoenix, the common image today represents a single gender with one antler (male). Pixiu have protruding eyes and sharp teeth. There is one ancient stone sculpture variation found with hooves, but all Pixiu have wings. Many have a bifurcated (split) tail that hangs low and downward that covers its rear, a representative metaphor that they hold gold inside their stomachs but will not let it out.[citation needed]

Imperial Pixiu used during the Qing dynasty developed the physical characteristic of a fatter, more rotund body, indicating a stomach that could be loaded with unlimited amounts of gold and all forms of wealth and good fortune.

Due to their similar appearances, Pixiu are often confused with stone lions and qilin, but they can easily be distinguished from those two animals by its pair of feathered wings with which it can fly between Heaven and Earth.[5]

In the Eastern Han dynasty, pixiu were thought to be able to fly into the realm of immortals or xian[1] by Daoists and a minority of Confucianists.

Mythology

[edit]

One story of the Pixiu says that it violated a law of Heaven by defecating on the floor of Heaven. When it was found out, it was punished by a spanking from the Jade Emperor. The spanking was hard enough to cause its anus to be permanently sealed. The Jade Emperor further declared that the diet of the Pixiu would be restricted to gold, silver, and jewels.

Another story describes the Pixiu as the well-behaved, youngest son of the Dragon King and was spoiled by its parents. One day, Pixiu played on the Dragon King's desk and accidentally broke a seal that represented the power of the Dragon King. The Dragon King became very angry and used magic to turn Pixiu into an animal. He then sealed his rectum and declared that from then on, Pixiu could only eat things representing wealth.[9]

Pixiu have a reputation of being fierce creatures. The large fangs visible in their mouths are used to attack demons and evil spirits, draining their essence and converting it to wealth. Pixiu also guard against disease caused by these evil spirits. It is written that Pixiu patrol the Heavens to keep demons at bay and to protect their owners from all harm.[10]

It was believed that the ferociously devoted Pixiu would always and constantly guard its master, even after he passed from this life onto the next world. It was also believed that Pixiu would help their masters ascend to heaven by flying them up to Heaven on their backs.[7]

History

[edit]
Book of Han, Tian Yi Chamber Library Collection

Pixiu appear to have their origin in the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) where they are found mentioned and were originally called Táo bá in chapter 96 of the Book of Han.

An annotation describes the female and male Táo bá to have antlers like a deer, where the male (Tiānlù) has one antler, and the female (Bìxié) two. In tribute to the legend of the ferocity and prowess of the Pixiu in battle, it became synonymous with the army in ancient China. The word Pixiu, interpreted as meaning "fierce beast" and also "brave warrior", was used as a symbol on battle flags and banners.[7]

Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty declared that the Pixiu, who obtained and guarded the Master's gold, would be forever known as the "Treasure of the Emperor".[11] It is said the Emperor declared that only royal personage could possess a Pixiu and it was strictly forbidden for all others to own one, including officials.[11] This law was kept through to the end of the Qing dynasty.[11]

Architecture

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During China's history, Pixiu were commonly displayed in ancient architecture to ward off yin qi (陰氣) and to harness auspicious qi.

Statues of Pixiu are commonly found on the four corners of the roofs of houses, palaces and halls of the most important people such as the Chinese Emperor. The Pixiu sits behind the dragon, the phoenix, the winged horse, the seahorse, and other, similar creatures.

In ancient China, stone statues of Pixiu were also used as tomb guardians of Han dynasty emperors and other royal persons.

Feng shui

[edit]

In feng shui, Pixiu (aka Piyao in some modern cultural translations) is the heavenly variation of a creature of good fortune. They are said to have the power to assist anyone suffering from bad feng shui due to having offended Tai Sui.

[edit]
[edit]

In Mulan. Pixiu is featured as a design on the sword of Fa Mulan's.

In DuckTales of 2017, Pixiu serves as a minor antagonist.

In American Born Chinese, Shiji Niangniang has a pet Pixiu that was turned into a dog, along with having his anus sealed, after he pooped in the Jade Emperor's pond.

See also

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ a b Scarpari, Maurizio (2006). Ancient China: Chinese Civilization from the Origins to the Tang Dynasty. Translated by Milan, A.B.A. New York: Barnes & Noble. p. 222. ISBN 978-0-7607-8379-5.
  2. ^ "天禄之家 WWW.tianlu.sg".
  3. ^ "Pixiu - China culture". Archived from the original on 2014-12-02. Retrieved 2014-09-16.
  4. ^ 貔貅 [Pìxiū]. onmarkproductions.com.
  5. ^ a b Bates, Roy (2008). "Chapter 7". 29 Chinese Mysteries. Beijing, China: TuDragon Books Ltd. p. 49.
  6. ^ Bates, Roy (2008). "Chapter 7". 29 Chinese Mysteries. Beijing, China: TuDragon Books Ltd. pp. 48, 49.
  7. ^ a b c "Tianlu and Bixie". cultural-china.com/. Archived from the original on 2017-04-12. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  8. ^ "Book of Han".
  9. ^ Bates, Roy (2008). "Chapter 7". 29 Chinese Mysteries. Beijing, China: TuDragon Books Ltd. p. 51.
  10. ^ Bates, Roy (2008). "Chapter 7". 29 Chinese Mysteries. Beijing, China: TuDragon Books, Ltd. p. 49.
  11. ^ a b c Li, Jinn (2015). Pi Xiu Celestial Coming with Fortune. Estalontech (PublishDrive). ISBN 9789634280958.
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  • Media related to Pixiu at Wikimedia Commons
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