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In Chinese folklore, there is a saying "Eight dragons control water" that has puzzled many. In ancient times, dragons were revered as rain gods.

Excessive rainfall would inevitably lead to flooding, hence the concept of "water control."

The phrase "Eight dragons control water, five oxen plow the fields, four people share the harvest" illustrates the importance of managing water resources for successful agriculture.

The importance of rain for crops is self-evident, it is crucial for a good harvest. Only with favorable weather conditions can there be a bountiful harvest. 

Ancient Chinese people used the first Dragon day of the New Year to predict the amount of rainfall for the year. 

The number of dragons on the first Dragon day of the New Year corresponds to the date, indicating the potential for water management.

In Buddhism, the Four Heavenly Kings are important guardian deities among the heavenly beings, serving as the outer protectors of the chief god, Indra. They are said to reside on the slopes of Mount Sumeru, guarding the four continents: Ambudvipa, Pudgalavardhana, Utarakur, and Aparagodaniya. In Chinese tradition, it is believed that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang received assistance from the Northern Heavenly King. Consequently, from the Tang Dynasty onwards, temples in the Chinese Mahayana Buddhism tradition began to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings.

However, during the Ming Dynasty, the story of the Four Heavenly Kings was significantly altered in the novel "Fengshen Yanyi" (the Investiture of the Gods), where they were portrayed as four demon generals aiding the tyrant Zhou. They were later defeated by the combined efforts of Yang Jian and Huang Tianhua. When Liang Ziya was empowering the gods under the command of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, he conferred upon them the title of the Four Heavenly Kings, entrusting them with the responsibilities of expanding the nation and ensuring peace and prosperity.

Upon entering a temple, one would often first encounter the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, also known as the "Four Heavenly Guardians," within the Buddhist lore. In Mount Sumeru, there is a mountain named Cakravada Mountain, which has four peaks, each occupied by one of the Four Heavenly Kings, protecting one of the four cardinal directions. Therefore, their title reflects this symbolism. Placing the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings in the main hall signifies not only their role in protecting the temple's gates and ensuring tranquility but also symbolizes the path to wisdom through the implements they hold.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Chinese traditional culture and mythology with TCG Card designs. inspired by ancientaesthetics and folklore, we blend classic Chinese motifs with modern functionality. From intricate patterns reminiscentof traditional Chinese paintings to mythicato protect and showcase your cards. Embrace the beauty and heritage of Chinese culture in your gaming experience withour exquisite designs.

The Auspicious Crane painting embodies not only divine radiance and royal splendor but also a sense ofethereal elegance and grace. The imperial palace stands majestically at the bottom of the compositionperfectly symmetrical, with two-thirds of the canvas dedicated to a deep blue sky, exuding grandeur and royalcharm. The auspicious clouds encircling the palace break the horizon, adding a sense of tranguility andelegance to the scene, evoking a celestial beauty.

Furthermore, the presence of the cranes symbolizes noble aspirations and virtuous qualities. Two gracefulcranes perched on the rooftop, poised and serene, amidst a swirling flock in the sky, exude a sense of purityand elegance, enhancing the overall composition with a touch of refnement and ethereal beauty.

This artwork encapsulates the essence of traditional Chinese culture and stands as a quintessential exampleof using surrealistic techniques in art, predating Western surrealism by centuries.