The Dragon of the East Crystal Paperweight

Note: Limited quantity available. This artwork will be discontinued soon.

Chinese Mythical Dragon Design

This art decor piece from the studios of LIULI Crystal Art comes from a collection of four mythical creatures—each correlating to a compass direction.  With a deep background in Chinese cultural symbolism, the dragon is seen here in “Guardian of the East – Luminosity of the Azure Dragon” is a holy beast representing the east. In ancient times, the dragon enjoyed a much higher status in China than in India, as the Chinese believe the dragon is a supreme holy animal, the symbol of the emperor. Among the many dynasties China has been through, some rulers have taken the Azure Dragon as their reign title, such as Emperor Ming of the Wei Kingdom in the Three Kingdoms Period

In ancient China, there are four mythical creatures with godly power which protect us from all devils and evil spirits. Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise; Azure Dragon is the guardian of the East, White Tiger is the guardian of the West, Vermillion Bird is the guardian of the South, Tortoise is the guardian of the North.

In some cultures, the dragon’s imposing stature can inspire fright. In ancient China, the dragon’s curved and circuitous frame became known to embody strength and authority. It is also known to be propitious, bringing good luck and fortune, and can also emblematize wood. The azure dragon or the dragon of the east is also often associated with water. Ever-shifting in nature, like water, the dragon’s appearance is not concrete, mirroring different attributes of other animals, such as the crocodile, snake, eagle, and tiger. The year of the dragon runs on a 12-year cycle. Those born during those years are known to possess characteristics of the dragon, including the ability to lead or guide others.

It is a wonderful contemporary piece for those seeking to reflect as often as needed on sentiments of boldness and power while praising the auspicious favor of the guardians.

"The Dragon of the East"

Azure is a word often used to describe the sky, especially on a perfect, cloudless day. Azure is a mixture of blue and green shades. Appropriately, in Chinese mythology, the azure dragon is linked to various types of water, including rain, which comes from the clouds. Visually, the dragon's fiery breath also looks similar to clouds in the sky. The term ‘Yinglong’ even refers to the literal ‘rain dragon’ or “responsive dragon” from Chinese mythology known to have four wings, and the word “lóng” (龙) means dragon in Chinese. The azure dragon remains a well-known symbol today in China, continuing to inspire imagination with its mythological beauty, including forms of artwork, such as these, and architecture and literature. The dragon of the east has also been revered by Chinese emperors and royalty, with its bold and powerful stature, the dragon brings blessings. As described by Ilona Andrews: “If the sky could dream, it would dream of dragons.”

Collection of Auspicious Arch Bi:

• Luminosity of the Azure Dragon (Guardian of the East)
• Splendor of the Vermillion Bird (Guardian of the South)
• Mighty White Tiger (Guardian of the West)
• Wisdom of the Black Tortoise (Guardian of the North)

* Note: As the art pieces are individually hand-made, the color and dimensions will vary slightly.