The Four Symbols (Shijin)

The four sacred beasts that govern the twenty-eight lunar mansions and protect the cardinal directions. Comprising the Azure Dragon (East/Wood), Vermilion Bird (South/Fire), White Tiger (West/Metal), and Black Tortoise (North/Water), they originated from Chinese constellations and the Five Elements philosophy before being adopted in ancient Japan. All four are depicted in their entirety on the murals of the Asuka-period Kitora Tomb.