Characteristics of Phoenix Paper

Phoenix paper specifically refers to high-grade stationery adorned with a solitary golden phoenix motif, named for the golden phoenix pattern decorating its surface. Unlike luanfeng paper, which emphasizes the “dual phoenixes” design, phoenix paper exclusively denotes the category featuring a single phoenix motif as its central visual element. According to Shuowen Jiezi Zhu, the phoenix motif carries the semantic extension of “imperial symbolism” in traditional culture. Consequently, Fengzhi was exclusively reserved as the medium for imperial edicts.

Phoenix paper is an ancient, renowned paper originating from the Tang Dynasty, adorned with golden phoenix patterns. Due to its exclusive use in imperial contexts, it was often extended to signify edicts issued from the inner court.

The name derives from the golden phoenix pattern adorning the paper's surface. Unlike the dual phoenix motifs of luanfeng paper, fengzhi typically features a single phoenix design to emphasize its exclusive imperial status. Crafted from mulberry bark paper, it employs gold-painted phoenix techniques to create a three-dimensional texture. Adhering to official specifications, it commonly measures one chi two cun (approximately 36.5 cm) square. Its meticulous craftsmanship distinctly sets it apart from ordinary writing paper.