Black Tortoise, one of the important deities in traditional Chinese mythology, is usually depicted as a divine animal that combines the images of a turtle and a snake. Xuanwu has deep historical and symbolic significance in ancient Chinese culture and is often regarded as the patron saint of the north, representing concepts such as mystery, guardianship, power and protection.

 The image of Xuanwu is usually composed of turtles, snakes, turtles, snake-headed turtles and other animals, and sometimes it will appear with the four spirits (four elephants) such as the green dragon, the white tiger, and the Zhu Finch, forming one of the four gods in ancient Chinese mythology. In this traditional view, Xuanwu is often considered to be the patron saint of the North, representing the elements of water and winter, and symbolizing fortitude, stillness, and deep strength.

 This is a basaltic stone sculpture, Sui, 96 cm high, 98 cm long.

  Black Tortoise is the god of the North, composed of turtles and snakes. The turtle is on the lower side with its long neck sticking out. Snake wrapped turtle body, snake head up, look up. The turtle is thick, the snake is light and agile, a quiet move, complement each other.

From the collection of: The Met

Made by Xiang Zhou