Customarily depicted girdled by a snake, the Black Tortoise is guardian of the north, symbolising winter, midnight, and the element of water. The combination of a domed shell and flat belly fortuitously represents the vault of the heavens over the earthly plane, whilst its longevity sees it attributed with endurance, stability and wisdom.

Wonderfully sculpted, Xu Xiao Yong’s tortoise plays stalwart foil to the sinuous serpent in an eternal partnership. Cast in fine pewter.


About the collection
Xu Xiao Yong, lauded as one of China’s top sculptors, presents his interpretation of the Four Symbols, benevolent guardians of the cosmos.