Crane Series

In China, the red-crowned cranes have historically been referred to as immortals among the population. In ancient Chinese mythology, the cranes are frequently associated with individuals who have achieved the Tao. He uses a crane as his own means of transportation, riding on a crane to explore the magical world. Cranes are regarded as symbols of longevity, elegance, favorable outcomes, loyalty, and various other admirable characteristics. Why do people attribute the red-crowned crane with so many beautiful qualities despite it being a regular bird?

Red-crowned cranes exhibit unwavering loyalty in matters of love, and once they have chosen their partners, they remain committed for life. In the unfortunate event that one of the cranes passes away, the surviving crane no longer seeks another companion. Red-crowned cranes exhibit a strong sense of accountability as they diligently safeguard their offspring until they reach a state of independence. Pairs, families, or even small flocks are frequently observed among them. In the seasons of inclement weather and winter, it is common for them to gather in significant numbers, consisting of numerous families. On occasions, the sizable group can be comprised of 40-50 or even exceeding a hundred red-crowned cranes. To illustrate the concept of longevity, some individuals frequently sketch their personal renditions of cranes accompanied by robust and upright pine trees, resulting in a portrayal known as “Songhe Yannian”.

在中国，丹顶鹤历来被人们视为仙物，称之为“仙鹤”，意为长生不死，在古代传说中，得道之人常与鹤为伴，有仙鹤之说，神仙常把鹤作为自己的座骥，骑乘仙鹤巡游仙界。鹤象征着长寿、清雅、吉祥、忠贞等美好寓意。丹顶鹤本为芸芸众鸟中普通的一员，为何人们却赋予它如此多美好的寓意呢？
丹顶鹤忠于爱情,一旦成伴侣,终生不变;若有一只去世,另一只不再“娶嫁”。丹顶鹤也是责任心极强的父母,对子女呵护备至,直到它们能够自立。它们常常成对、成家族群和结成小群活动。在迁徙季节和冬季，它们常常由数个或者数十个家族群集结成一个非常大的群体。有时一个大群由40～50只、甚至100多只丹顶鹤集结而成。人们还常把飘逸俊美的鹤与苍劲挺拔的松画在一起做成“松鹤延年”图，寓意益年长寿。