Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume II: Birds and Beasts, Part 3

Page 10

The Rabbit

Following the fierce and mystical nature of the tiger, the rabbit appears as the next subject. In Ming-era thought, rabbits were not only natural creatures but also celestial symbols associated with the moon and the preparation of the elixir of immortality. This page likely serves as the primary illustration and introduction for the species within the "beasts" category.