Cherish Spring/Summer 2022

New!

They are collectively known as the Four Symbols ( 四象 sì xiàng) and culturally significant across the civilisations of East Asia since the 5th millennium BCE. They are also referred to by a variety of other names, including Four Guardians, Four Gods, and Four Auspicious Beasts. Aside from representing the four cardinal directions, each guardian also represents a colour, a season of the year, time of day, and a natural element. Benevolence presents award-winning master sculptor, Xu Xiao Yong's interpretation of the wonder and majesty of the celestial guardians.

Benevolence

A sculpture collection of the four Chinese mythological guardians.

Ancient Chinese astronomy divides the constellations into four groups which correspond to the four cardinal directions. Each direction is assigned a mythological creature as guardian; the Azure Dragon of the east ( 青龍 Qinglong), Vermilion Phoenix of the south ( 朱雀 Zhuque), White Tiger of the west ( 白虎 Baihu) and Black Tortoise of the north ( 玄武 Xuanwu).

0177013 Vermilion Phoenix (L) H32.5cm x 22cm x 19.5cm

0177011 Azure Dragon (L) H32.5cm including base x 29.5cm x 17cm

0177012 White Tiger (L) H31.5cm including base x 34.5cm x 17cm

0177010 Black Tortoise (L) H26.5cm x 31cm x 19cm