Genbu is one of the four symbols who represent and protect Japans four cardinal directions.Genbu is usually depicted as a tortoise with a snake wrapped around him or as a snake tortoise chimaera, here he's presented as the former.The Black Tortoise is associated with the element water, the season of winter and the planet Mercury!The Heian shrine in Kyoto is resplendent with decorations of the four symbols.This Brooch features a variety of handcast swirled acrylics.Brooch measures 9cm by 8cm