Parrots have appeared as decorative motifs as early as the Shang dynasty. Across later dynasties, they were pr…
Parrots have appeared as decorative motifs as early as the Shang dynasty. Across later dynasties, they were prized as ornamental birds and widely kept in both palaces and private homes.
Native parrots were commonly described as having emerald-green plumage and red beaks. Luo Yuan writes in Erya Yi (Wings to the Erya), "The parrot is a bird that can speak. It resembles an owl in shape, with green feathers, a red beak and feet. It is found in Longyou and in Nanzhong."
For this reason, the parrot was also known by the byname "Longyou Guest."