China: Ceramic tomb dragon, c. 4th century CE

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore. In Chinese art, dragons are typically portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang and complements a yin fenghuang or 'Chinese phoenix'.

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. With this, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power and strength.

Symbols of dragons were sometimes placed in tombs as means to help the deceased get to heaven.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Walters Art Museum

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

DRAGONS