Ancient Chinese Art
appear to emanate rays (representing supernatural light). Mythological figures known as Xian (�Shian�) prance along the upper portions of the branches, indicating that by ascending the tree, the soul of the dead will reach the land of the immortals. Coiling up the center of the bronze stem are a set of dragons with gaping mouths. Perched near the top are various creatures--a green dragon (east), a white tiger (west), a mythical red bird(south), and a tortoise wrapped with a snake (north).The Queen Mother of the West (yin) sits at the center of the four directions. Below her sits an early image of Buddha, whose religion was slowly entering China at this time.