A tortoise intertwined with a snake, known as the Black Tortoise (Xuanwu, Chinese: 玄武), is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations, representing the north and the winter season. This portrait brick from the Song Dynasty (420-479) of the Southern Dynasty era (420-589) depicts such an image with high-relief carving technique and vibrant colors.
Excavated in Dengzhou, Henan province, the brick is in the permanent collection of Henan Museum, preserving a legacy of ancient beliefs and craftsmanship.