Animal lore

The Four Mythical Guardians each guards one of the four cardinal directions and is associated with a season, and one of the ‘five elements’ said to govern change in all things.

Coloured design

Portrayed in colour, the Four Mythical Guardians are arranged diagonally on background imagery comprising mountain tops and clouds.

• Phoenix, symbol of the south, summer, and fire.
• Tiger, symbol of the west, autumn, and metal.
• Tortoise with snake, symbol of the north, winter, and water.
• Dragon, symbol of the east, spring, and wood.