Turtleback tomb
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Turtleback or Turtle-back tombs or turtle shell tombs are a particular type of tombs originating from the Song Dynasty. They are commonly found in some coastal provinces of southern China, the Ryukyu
A typical turtle-back tomb, in Lingshan Islamic Cemetery, Quanzhou
A typical turtle-back tomb in Kinmen Island off Fujian coast
A typical 15th-century bixi, near the tomb of Kong Hongtai, 61st-generation Duke Yansheng, in the Cemetery of Confucius, Qufu. In this traditional layout, the bixi is at the beginning of the spirit way, and the grave tumulus, at the end of it.
Tomb of Mạc Cửu in Hà Tiên, Vietnam.
Black Turtle-Snake
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The Black Turtle-Snake is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is usually depicted as a tortoise or turtle, intertwined with a snake.
Turtleback tomb
…turtle-shaped tombs may also have to do with the desire to place the grave under the influence of the heavenly warrior Xuanwu, whose symbol is the Black Tortoise. A legend has been recorded which ascribes to tortoises the ability to find an auspicious place for a burial. According to the legend, some time during…
The Black Turtle-Snake depicted on a Chinese tile
A copper Black Turtle-Snake from the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty (early 15th century)
Black Tortoise with Snake. Southern Dynasties Brick Relief 11.
Xuanwu subduing the tortoise. Wudang Palace, Yangzhou.