Vintage bronze turtle statue

Very nice bronze statue of a turtle. In a lot of (especially) eastern traditions, the turtle holds very significant symbolism. In Chinese culture, the Turtle is one of the Four Auspicious Animals, next to Phoenix, Dragon and Tiger. They are seen as the deities and/or guardians of the four cardinal directions. The Turtle being the guardian of the North.

The appearance of the pattern on the shell of the turtle, with its very specific division in parts, is in Chinese culture associated with the magical Lo Shu square. Legend has it that 4000 years ago, a divine turtle swam out of the waters of the Lo River, on the shell of which a pattern of dots was depicted, which gave the key to the location of the Bagua numbers.

The turtle is associated with a lot of important qualities and dynamics. To name only a few;

• It represents knowledge and wisdom of both heaven (its dome-shaped shell) and earth (its flat body), prosperity, perseverance and longevity.
• The presence of a turtle saves people from delusions. It is believed that the knocking of the turtle's claws on the stones scares away evil spirits.
• Connecting with the spirit of the Turtle can aid in career growth, promotion and financial stability.
• The convex, upper part of the shell with its sometimes very bright pattern symbolizes yang, masculine energy rising to the sky. The convex, lower part is associated with the yin, feminine energy which supports and protects.

This turtle statue can be associated specific with the Chinese Feng Shui tradition, in which also the material from which such a statue has been made is very relevant. Metal statues such as this one are associated with the North direction (and should best be placed accordingly). They are believed to boost career success, professional growth and financial prosperity. To attract a healthy financial flow, the statue can be placed for example on a pile of coins or near a money-plant of wealth-vase.

As is often done with such statues, after it has been made some special ingredients have been added to the inside of the statue, after which it has been closed with a seal. When you shake the statue carefully, you hear a slight rattling sound inside. Such ingredients are often a mix of chippings of precious stones and metals, herbs and grains and sometimes pieces of fabric or paper with symbols or mantra's on it. These fillings are an offering to the spirit of the statue and adding them enlivens and blesses it for its purpose. 

This statue has been made in a very nice 'antique-look'; the bronze has been treated to attain a green-grey antique color. The statue is from vintage origin and in good condition. This statue is approximately 14 centimeters long, 8,5 centimeters wide and 6 centimeters high. It weighs 633 grams.

Only one available.