Dragons have always been the most favoured creature in the Chinese zodiac. Jade Necklaces From the dawn of history to the present day, these have been considered the best beasts in the menagerie. Number two is the phoenix, although its female associations have acted as a glass ceiling. Jade Jewelry Much as the dragon is admired, most enthusiasts would have a hard time describing one.
Dragons were at the heart of the cosmic philosophy which has been part of Chinese culture ever since. Artists such as the 13th Century Chen Rong created works that were a synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Jade Rings Textiles, especially embroideries and carpets, are another field in which the dragon really made its mark. Being a colourful medium, there was wide scope for interpretation of the different hues that characterise dragons. Jade Bangle Yellow dragons, for example, are associated with lightning, flames and the sun, while their black kin are symbolic of the night and the underworld — sometimes manifested in the less agile form of the tortoise.