Vermilion Bird Behind the Storm T-Shirt

The sky has begun to darken.

From behind the gathering cloud, a bright red beak appears. Then a wing. Then the long, fiery tail of something ancient, curious, and apparently unconcerned by the approaching weather.

This is the Vermilion Bird, or Zhuque, one of the Four Symbols of traditional Chinese cosmology. Guardian of the South and embodiment of summer and the element of fire, it represents heat, brilliance, renewal, and life at its fullest intensity. Though sometimes compared to the phoenix, the Vermilion Bird has its own far older place in the Chinese heavens.

Here, it does not descend in imperial splendor. It peeks out from behind a darkening cloud, as though summer itself has noticed you passing below.

Printed on the soft, lightweight Bella + Canvas 3001, with enough stretch for everyday comfort and a flattering unisex fit.

100% combed and ring-spun cotton
Heather colors contain polyester
Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
Pre-shrunk fabric
Side-seamed construction
Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
Blank sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the United States