Various animals and other entities have special symbolism in the two spatial design arts from the East. Guardians on either side of the gate are common, be they armed warriors in Vastu Veda or the twin lions of Feng Shui. In fact, most depictions of animals are best placed somewhere near the entrance, either inside or outside. Whereas Indians revere the gentle cow and are partial to the regal elephant, the Chinese prefer the pig and are fixated on the powerful dragon. Besides these omnipresent giant lizards, other mystical animals in the Feng Shui zoo include the benevolent unicorn (often referred to as the Dragon Horse) and the crimson phoenix. Images and replicas of animals tend to suffice in creating auspicious environments, although the Chinese often keep live fish (valuing them as immature dragons) and peacock feathers are in good taste on either side of the Himalayas. Illustrations of elegant water fowl - such as swans and cranes - are welcome in any South Asian residence, while no East Asian home is complete without a gold and silver frog nestled near the door.

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