Phoenix (Rising From The Ashes)
$2,000
Title: Phoenix (Rising From The Ashes)
Code:BA-01
Details: Birds’ Language Collection
Size: 42×42 cm
Date: 2021 August
“PHOENIX”, a legendary bird! Many believe its origin lies in Egypt, from where it traveled through eastern Iran, China, and India, before reaching Europe, Rome, and Greece.
The myth of the Phoenix symbolizes the sun, representing rebirth after each night’s darkness. However, as the story crossed cultural borders, it acquired unique narratives and meanings.
In Iranian myth, the Phoenix lives for 1,000 years. Attar Neishabouri—a 12th-century Iranian gnostic, poet, and chemist—wrote in his *Manteq-ut-Tayr* that this extraordinary bird, with its long beak and holes capable of producing enchanting music, originated in India.
The Phoenix’s melody bewitches other creatures, rendering them helplessly charmed and vulnerable to its hunt. Legend says the first musical instruments were invented by a philosopher who heard its song.
The Phoenix lives alone, forever seeking a mate in vain. Aware of its impending death, it gathers firewood and sings a sorrowful lament, drawing other creatures near. The music’s anguish weakens them, even stirring a wish for death. Then, the Phoenix flaps its wings until friction ignites its feathers. As the firewood turns to ash, an egg emerges. From the ashes, a new Phoenix is born.
No other creature dies only to deliver new life. Attar reflects that even this extraordinary bird, despite its long, mournful search for meaning, cannot escape death’s truth.
“Rising from the ashes” embodies the Phoenix’s story, mirroring humanity’s hope, desire, and relentless striving.