The handscroll on the left features a crane with its head turned left of its body, looking down, set in nature, surrounded by rocks and bamboo. The red detail on this crane's forehead suggests that this is a specific species of crane, the Manchurian crane. This detail is important because these red-crowned cranes are coveted symbols in Daoism and to Daoist immortals. In the wild, red-crowned cranes are one of the longest-living species of birds to exist. Along with their tendency to mate for life, it is no wonder why these birds represent longevity and loyalty in Chinese culture.

Cranes have extensive involvement within Daoism, specifically when it comes to topics about immortality. Again, red-crowned cranes were notable symbols for Daoist immortals. It was said that Daoist immortals had the magical ability to transform into cranes, and that when a Daoist priest dies, it is referred to as yuhua (羽化) meaning "turning into a feathered (crane)". Red-crowned cranes were also depicted as immortal rides, so within art and literature, mortal people who were able to attain immortality are seen riding a crane as it flies away. There are even some form of daoist robes that are reffered to as hechang (鶴氅) or crane robes.

From the collection of: The Met