The Sea Horse

The Sea Horse original: "海馬" (Haima). In this historical context, this refers to a mythical "water horse" rather than the syngnathid fish known today in modern biology. is a creature of the deep. It possesses the form of a galloping horse, yet it is born of the waters. Its mane and tail are not merely hair, but are said to flow with the essence of surging waves or flickering flames. These divine steeds have the power to traverse the surface of the sea as if they were running upon dry land, and they can plunge into the deepest ocean trenches without drowning.

Sancai Tuhui: (Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms) A massive, late-Ming Dynasty encyclopedia (c. 1609) that sought to categorize all known knowledge. Birds and Beasts: The zoological division of the encyclopedia, which famously cataloged both common livestock and legendary creatures. Sea Horse: In Chinese mythology, these are auspicious creatures often depicted in art and architecture to symbolize speed and the ability to overcome the obstacles of the deep.