Nine Sons of Dragon

Baxia, photo taken in Gulin, China.

古人云：「一龍生九子，各不成龍。」

"Dragon has nine sons, each is unique, but without the full form of a dragon."

HAOXIAN

A reckless and adventurous dragon whose image can be found decorating the eaves of palaces.

YAZI

Valiant and bellicose; his image is seen on sword-hilts and knife hilts.

CHIWEN

Chiwen likes to gaze into the distance and his appearance is often carved on pinnacles.

BAXIA

Baxia is a good swimmer and his image decorates many bridge piers and archways.

PULAO

Pulao is fond of roaring and his figure is carved on bells.

BIXI

Bixi is an excellent pack-animal whose image appears on panniers.

QIUNIU

Qiuniu loves music and his figure is a common decoration on the bridge of stringed musical instruments.

SUANMI

Suanmi is fond of smoke and fire; his likeness can be seen on the legs of incense-burners.

JIAOTU

Jiaotu is as tight-lipped as a mussel or a snail. His image is carved on doors.