The Chinese Constellations
The Azure Dragon of the East
2.51"x10" (129.54cm x 25.4cm) In Chinese astrology, the Azure Dragon represents the seven constellations of the Eastern directions. I designed each symbolic animal figure in accordance with the shape and arrangement of each constellation in the sky. Astrologers believe that the East represents the element of wood and botany, and the season of spring.
Giclée printed scrolls selling on Etsy, click the image to access.
The White Tiger of the West
1.34.5"x14.3" (87.6cm x 36.3cm) There are 28 constellations in Chinese astrology. The 28 constellations are grouped into four sections by the celestial orientations. This triptych draws the White Tiger, the god of the West, and its seven constellations.
The Black Tortoise of the North
3.30.33” x 10” (77cm x 25.4cm) This piece shows the god of the Northern sky, The Black Tortoise, and its seven constellations. In Chinese astrology, The Black Tortoise represents the element of water, the season of winter, and life and death. Although we call it The Black Tortoise in English, it is in fact a snake entwined with a tortoise. The picture is filled with orchids because they usually live on a host, just like the snake from The Black Tortoise. In the Eastern Asian culture, the tortoise is a symbol of longevity, and the stone has the same longevity as the Earth. The orchid has withered and thrived several times while the stone remains unchanged. I think the contrast between orchids and stones is also a symbol of life and death, transience and eternity.
