Generational Turtles Gouache Painting

What are these three tiers stacked generational tortoises/turtles? What do they mean? What is their symbolism?

In Feng Shui and various Asian cultures, the tortoise is regarded as a spiritual symbol of longevity. Tortoises embody protection and strength; but why strength? It’s said that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

The imagery of three stacked turtles represents a family. The grandparents supporting the generations that follow. The parents stand on the shoulders of the grandparents. The baby tortoise benefiting from the hard work, upbringing, and success of those who preceded him or her.

Next to familial interpretation, stacked turtles can also symbolize a teacher, or teachers. Students gain immensely from good educators. Plato taught Aristotle, who in turn taught Alexander III. Johann Sebastian Bach’s parents were musicians, and his children followed in his footsteps. We build upon the foundations laid by those who came before us, which is one of the symbolic interpretations of the stacked turtles.

This is a gouache painting. The turtles bask in the gentle glow of the late evening sun surrounded by bamboo branches. The soft sand islands are a lovely base for the turtles. The turtles are happy and at ease with their task: supporting the next generations.

Measuring 31-41 cm.

Comes in a brand new artist's tube (please reuse for storage of paintings, wall paper, textiles, dried flowers etc.).

Paula Kuitenbrouwer
owner of www.paulakuitenbrouwer.com