The dragon represents the eastern direction and the color blue; it’s also associated with the element wood, since trees absorb the positive energy of heaven and earth, lending them the dragon-like qualities of strength, majesty, and longevity. The dragon is powerful, dignified, honorable, and embodies an inextinguishable spirit. In this design, the dragon’s scales and claws shift with the casual motion of its elegant form. The head is raised, the body soars into the auspicious clouds; the tail rises upwards with power and poise, and was the most challenging part to cast. Overall, this piece conveys a palpable sense of aspiration and latent energy. Associated with the four quadrants of the vault of heaven is the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermillion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North; in the center is the Qilin (unicorn). Each region corresponds to one of the five elements: metal (west), wood (east), water (north), fire (south), and earth (center). Moving across the night sky, the stars connect all life to the five elements. When the universe and elements are aligned, harmony ensues.
