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Chinese Entwined Dragon Belt Buckle
My favorite of the dragon belt buckles. This dragon is truly the most authentic to Chinese culture. It has no wings but flies of it's supernatural Powers or sometimes by it's Poh Shan. The ancient sage Wang Fu described an Eastern Dragon: "Its head is like a camel's, its ears like a cow's, its neck like a snake's, its belly like a frog's, its scales like a carp's, its claws like an eagle's, and its paws like a tiger's." It has whiskers on the sides of its mouth and a bright pearl growing under its chin.
The Dragon portrayed on this belt buckle is an Asian dragon. The Asian dragon is serpentine and most often does not have wings. He flies with supernatural powers. The dragon is the symbol of longevity and on this belt buckle he is seen in front of the Chinese good luck rebus.
Instead of wings, the dragon has a "poh shan," a growth on top of its head that pumps air in and out, lifting the creature high in the sky. Winds enable it to sail through the air. Some scholars claim that the pearl under its chin makes the dragon airborne, but how this works has never been explained.
The Dragon is a supernatural beast. Every known culture has in some way had dragon myths. In most European cultures the dragon is a fearful creature which is an enemy to mankind. However in Eastern culture the dragon is a protector of mankind. His personality is actually playful. While the European dragon breathes fire the Eastern dragon plays with a fireball often called his pearl of wisdom. He can be fierce but his extreme wisdom only allows the fierce side to show when it is beneficial to all.
There are typically nine main categories of dragons in Eastern culture. Of these the gold or Imperial Dragon is the master. The Imperial dragon is a five clawed dragon. The common dragon usually has three or four claws. Wearing the five clawed dragon on ones apparel signifies royalty in Chinese culture. Those who wear it without proper permission were subject to be put to death. Look around and you will see that most dragons are four clawed. If you find a five clawed dragon it somehow signifies that it comes from a royal line.
The dragon is the most powerful of the chinese animals. He displays not only strength but also extreme wisdom. He is a playful and benevolent in nature. He is a protector of mankind. Overall a very beautiful belt buckle you'll be proud to wear. It's craftsmanship is exquisite. Add it to your collection and you'll be glad you did.
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