Brief description of Kitora Tumulus

108Kitora Tumulus embodies the concept of the four directional deities.

Various schools of philosophy born in ancient China became linked together over time, eventually transforming into even more complex philosophies. The concept of the four directional deities was born in this way. Mythological creatures symbolizing the four directions came to govern different colors and landforms, celestial bodies, the cardinal points and the seasons, etc. Images of the four creatures expressing this philosophy are drawn on the four walls of the Kitora Tumulus.