Beneficent Rain

In the middle of this painting is a dragon with four bright claws on each foot. It coils among the dark clouds gathered in the sky and gazes downwards at the smaller aquatic dragon in the lower left corner. The body of this four-clawed dragon writhes dramatically, the details of its body decorated with fine white strokes to indicate bristles, clearly defining it as a truly rare and precious beast.
Traditionally, imagery of the dragon has many different meanings. Not only can it symbolize the emperor and the ruling family, it is also a symbol of good luck. In many ancient texts, the dragon is said to be the mount upon which the god of water rides. It was later elevated to become a god in charge of rain and seawater. In the famous novel, Journey to the West, the dragon king lives in a palace deep under the water, in charge of all matters related to the seas.