Passionate about nature and the world around us, birds feature strongly in Wendy’s designs. But it is not only their physical beauty that inspires Wendy, she also looks to their powerful symbolism.
From the mythical phoenix to the joyful hummingbird, birdlife is shown in stunning settings, bringing depth, interest, movement, colour, and texture to designs. With every rug design telling her own unique story, each element plays its part, and the symbolism of birds, particularly in Far Eastern philosophies, reflects a deep vein of strength, wisdom, and inspiration.
We explore the meaning behind the birds in Wendy’s designs and share the story of the powerful symbolism found in our designs.
The swallow – a symbol of hope
With their annual return for the arrival of spring, swallows have long been regarded as symbols of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Often representing the cyclical nature of life, we associate these pretty little fork-tailed birds with positive change. The trait of returning home, particularly migrating long distances, also represents a sense of loyalty and community, and swallows are often seen as messengers of good news.
In China, swallows are symbols of good luck, happiness, and prosperity. In Japan, swallows are believed to bring harmony and happiness to homes, and are often seen woven into Japanese embroidery.
Our new carved rug, Mumtaz Mahal, with her focus on the sense of touch, features soaring teal-blue swallows against a tactile ecru backdrop. Each glorious bird has been hand-carved, so is raised from the wool base, encouraging a sense of playful birds in flight, which represents ideas of freedom, joy, positivity, and hope for the future.
Glorious Birdsong Yellow features colourful swallows and exotic parakeets against a brilliant yellow backdrop. The sheer exuberance of the colours creates a feelgood factor, while the birds live happily together, and bring a sense of the beauty and benefits of nature inside.
The mythical phoenix – a sign of new beginnings
Originating in Greek mythology, the story of the phoenix rising from its own ashes is recognised in both the East and West. This fascinating creature symbolises resurrection, transformation, hope and freedom. A majestic being, the phoenix is often associated with ideas of immortality, renewal, and new beginnings, and is a powerful symbol of hope.
The phoenix takes centre stage in many of Wendy’s designs, sharing a story of fresh starts and new beginnings, positivity and looking to the future. A jewel-toned phoenix, representing rebirth, renewal and the cyclical nature of life, sits amidst gorgeous chrysanthemums against a dark background in striking hand-knotted design, Phoenix. Bold and beautiful, the uplifting story of new beginnings is told through intricate images and glorious colour.
The vibrant peacock – a sign of beauty
The peacock has captured the imagination for centuries. Embodying grace and elegance, the peacock’s vibrant plumage and gentle movements have made it a symbol of beauty, nobility, spirituality, and wisdom. In Chinese mythology, the peacock represents enlightenment, transformation, and compassion, as well as love and good fortune. This captivating creature represents self-expression, divine power, eternal life, and is seen as a force for transformation.
The majestic peacock symbolises kindness, love, grace, and beauty at the heart of hand-knotted rug Kujaku, which means ‘peacock’ in Japanese. Vibrant, sensuous, and luxurious, Kujaku’s rich purple backdrop enhances the majesty of the richly-toned peacock in an uplifting tale of love, elegance and beauty.
The delicate hummingbird – a symbol of joy
Beauty, lightness, energy, joy, happiness and good luck are all associated with the dainty, delicate, hummingbird. Known for their speed and agility, hovering above flowers in search of nectar, these happy little birds also represent freedom, vitality and perseverance. Their migration habits make them a symbol of strength and resilience, and they are often regarded as a sign of prosperity and good luck.
There cannot be a more joyful symbol than that of colourful hummingbirds, flying freely across our hand-tufted rug, Joy. Full of colour and pattern, this design exudes life, hope, and optimism. Our little hummingbirds dart amongst butterflies, chrysanthemums and lotus flowers, cocooned in an Art Deco-inspired border made up of soft clouds and gentle waves. Positive, life-affirming and gorgeous, we feel Joy is aptly named.
The elegant crane – a symbol of longevity
Cranes are known to live long lives and, as such, are powerful symbols of longevity, wisdom, and knowledge. Usually mating for life, they also represent loyalty, devotion, love and a harmonious partnership. With its gentle demeanour, the crane is often associated with harmony and tranquillity. Often associated with ideas of spiritual growth, self-discovery and transformation, cranes are seen as symbols of good luck.
Wild cranes, representing happiness, good fortune, and a long life, soar above evergreen pine trees in hand-tufted design Cranes in Trees. Red, black, and gold are used to stunning effect against a pale wool base, which gives the dramatic cranes even more impact in a design that tells a beautiful story of strength, resilience, happiness, and longevity.
A pair of elegant cranes also sits at the heart of One Hundred Birds One Hundred Flowers. Inspired by ancient scrolls depicting birds and animals living together in peace and harmony, this hand-knotted rug is full of life, hope and vitality. Awash with colour, the delicate design remains balanced, with our happy, hopeful cranes surrounded by the power and positivity of nature.
