The internet cannot decide whether this bird is a rooster or a phoenix; she is called a Ho Ho bird. As you can read below, this bird brings good fortune with her. It is a beautiful bird, well shaped and brightly colored. There is mischief in her eyes and her mouth is open in some version of a squawk. She really is quite lovely. She was made in China and is marked. A good estimate on the date is around 1950. 8 1/2 inches tall. Here is some information about Ho-ho birds. The Ho ho bird comes from the mythical Japanese version of the Phoenix. Although most commonly referred to as the Ho ho, the mysterious creature, with a long beak and curving neck, flowing tail, claws and crest takes on many other names, including hoo, foo, ho-wo, hobo, howo, ho and sacred river! Originally appearing as a motif in Asian decorative art (ceramics, woodwork and plasterwork), the bird was said to bring luck, symbolising good fortune; specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom. It is often portrayed as an amalgam of several birds, including the phoenix, pheasant, stork, heron and bird of paradise. From Thakeham Furniture Co.
