As a most admired bird in China, the crane is regarded as an auspicious pattern and lofty symbol. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the decorative patch on an official robe carried a crane pattern for the highest official rank. In the traditional bird culture, the crane "has only one over him and millions under him," ranking second only to the phoenix. A respectable person was known as "a figure extolled by the crane" and praised as an honest and upright man. In the exhibition room of exquisite ancient bells, you can find a Taoist bell with crane patterns. The body of the bell is covered with patterns of 16 cranes flying above clouds or soaring through clouds in different postures, presenting a beautiful picture of cranes traveling in auspicious clouds. Cast in the reign of Emperor Zhengde during the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644), the bell is 1.70 meters in height and 1,300 kilograms in weight. It has close ties with Taoist immortals. The legend goes that immortals usually ride on cranes and that "cranes are well- behaved like gentlemen, incorruptible and naturally clean and honest; their screams are resonant and they can be compared with outstanding talents." The reason why the bell was cast with crane patterns was comprehensible.
