Oct 12, 2025
Inktober Owlstens palm civet
The Feng li as described in the Ben Cao Gang Mu by Li Shizen as having the aspect of a small, green, and black monkey patterned with leopard spots. They feed on spiders and mastic (resin). They are dormant in the daylight hours, but at night, they come to life, jumping high through the treetops and sailing upon the wind like night birds. They hold a stick or a stiff stalk of grass and can point this wand at other animals to paralyze them to stillness. If a human were to snatch this wand and point at another human, the latter would be compelled to the bidding of the former.
These bestiary descriptions of old natch fairly well with the civet. Although descriptions of the feng li vary as well.
Ink brush on paper.
