Tortoise; Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644. Bronze. Measurements:... Lot 5

Tortoise; Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644. Bronze. Measurements: 32 x 20 x 12 cm. Bronze sculpture representing a tortoise with a large stele on its shell, on which a set of writing can be seen, crowned by the presence of two dragons located in the upper area. The presence of the turtle is telling, as in the country's mythology it represents longevity and wisdom. Moreover, the tortoiseshell of its shell was highly prized as a means of divination. The tortoise represents one of the cardinal points, along with the tiger, the phoenix and the dragon. Their characteristics and the value that Chinese society has placed on them have led these animals to form part of legends such as that of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, which used turtles for the bases of its columns, due to their longevity and resistance. The Ming dynasty is one of the longest periods in Chinese history, lasting approximately three centuries. After the Yuan period of foreign domination, the Ming period saw the re-establishment of traditional Chinese values. The seventeen emperors of this dynasty reigned in a state of relative peace and prosperity and belonged to the Han ethnic group (the majority in China), as did the civil service. The economy was transformed from an agrarian to a fully mercantile state at the end of the dynasty.