Copper-alloy sculpture of the Taoist deity Xuantian Shangdi, China, Ming period, 17th century Depicted seated on a pedestal, she is also known as Zhengwudadi (Emperor Zhenwu), who in Taoist cosmology is a stellar god ruling the northern sky. He also has a military function and is likened to the northern emperor Bei Di. As here, he is always depicted with Xuanwu, a turtle embraced by a snake representing the north and winter, and one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations. He usually holds a sword in his right hand. Height: 19 cm; weight: 734 g The sword is missing.