Since ancient times in China the crane has been regarded as an auspicious bird, next only to the legendary phoenix among all the birds with a divine poise. It was also a symbol of longevity and incorruptibility.

Because a crane was considered as the top-ranking bird, it was used as Imperial China's highest demarcation of court status, and its appearance on the rank badge of an official's robe signed that the wearer was a civil servant of the first or highest rank.