their backs. History Pixiu appear to have their origin in the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) where they are found mentioned and were originally called Táo bá in chapter 96 of the Book of Han. An annotation describes the female and male Táo bá to have antlers like a deer, where the male (Tiānlù) has one antler, and the female (Bìxié) two. In tribute to the legend of the ferocity and prowess of the Pixiu in battle, it became synonymous with the army in ancient China. The word Pixiu, interpreted as meaning "fierce beast" and also "brave warrior", was used as a symbol on battle flags and banners. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty declared that the Pixiu, who obtained and guarded the Master's gold, would be forever known as the "Treasure of the Emperor". It is said the Emperor declared that only royal personage could possess a Pixiu and it was strictly forbidden for all others to own one, including officials. This law was kept through to the end of the Qing dynasty. Architecture During China's history, Pixiu were commonly displayed in ancient architecture to ward off yin qi () and to harness auspicious qi. Statues of Pixiu are commonly found on the four corners of the roofs of houses, palaces and halls of the most important people such as the Chinese Emperor. The Pixiu sits behind the dragon, the phoenix, the winged horse, the seahorse, and other, similar creatures. In ancient China, stone statues of Pixiu were also used as tomb guardians of Han dynasty emperors and other royal persons. Feng shui In feng shui, Pixiu ( Piyao in some modern cultural translations) is the heavenly variation of a creature of good fortune. They are said to have the power to assist anyone suffering from bad feng shui due to having offended Tai Sui. Gallery In popular culture In Mulan. Pixiu is featured as a design on the sword of Fa Mulan's. In DuckTales of 2017, Pixiu serves as a minor antagonist. See also Chinese culture Chinese spiritual world concepts Feng shui Fenghuang Four symbols Imperial guardian lion Qilin Unicorn Xiezhi References External links Chinese legendary creatures Geomancy Mythological hybrids Mythological lions