Crane

The crane is endowed with many mythical attributes; it is the most celebrated bird. It lives an unusually long life and is a symbol of longevity. A white crane was embroidered on court robes.  Symbolizing longevity the crane at 600 years of age may drink but it no longer eats declining the continuity of its life. 

The crane manifests an unusual interest in human affairs; its figure with outspread wings was customary to be placed on the coffin of the deceased it being the conveyor of the soul to the Western Heaven.