This silk Buddhist temple cloth presents a depiction of a phoenix alongside camellias, crafted using the laborious "tsume tsuzure" tapestry technique. It remains in very good condition, though it shows slight staining and several tiny holes. Its dimensions are 27 inches in width by 20 inches in height (69 cm x 51 cm).

In Japanese and Chinese cultures, the mythical Phoenix symbolizes the imperial household, especially the empress. This revered bird embodies fire, the sun, justice, obedience, fidelity, and the constellations of the southern star. Within Buddhism, the Phoenix is equated with Garuda, known as the "Bird of Life."