ORIENTAL LEGACY

Oriental Legacy, acrylic on canvas, 2025. 24" X 24"

The artist combines his love for animals and Eastern culture to produce this painting that depicts the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations grouped with their respective Chinese Zodiac signs.

  1. North - Black Tortoise - Pig, Rat and Ox
  2. East - Green Dragon - Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon
  3. South - Red Phoenix - Snake, Horse and Goat
  4. West - White Tiger - Monkey, Rooster and Dog
The Four Symbols also represent four virtues:
  1. Black Tortoise - Stability, restraint, longevity
  2. Green Dragon - Life and imperial power 
  3. Red Phoenix - Happiness and bliss
  4. White Tiger - Power, fortune, marriage

Given their divine status, the Four Symbols are said to be capable of shifting into various aspects of life, including the four seasons, protectors of Taoist temples and aspects of Feng Shui.

The I Ching (易經), also known as the Book of Changes, traces the roots of the Four Symbols back to the beginnings of the world, and alleges that they originated from the famous ring of yin-yang (陰陽), which instils order upon the chaotic spirit of Taiji (太極).

The two koi fish in the pond at the center represent the yin-yang symbol of natural balance, while the lotus is a powerful symbol of purity, enlightenment, and harmony. The tangerine branch represents prosperity, good luck, and new beginnings.

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