The Zodiac Snake in East Asian Paintings

2025 is the Year of the Snake across all regions that observe the Lunar Zodiac. The Year of the Snake officially begins on February 10, 2025, the start of the Lunar New Year, and ends on January 28, 2026, as it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.

The Snake, one of the twelve animals in the Lunar Zodiac, holds a profound place in East Asian art and culture. As a zodiac animal, the Snake symbolizes wisdom, introspection, mystery, and transformation. Its graceful and sinuous form has made it a popular subject in paintings, where it is often depicted with elegance, subtlety, and spiritual depth.

Rat Snake (Hebi) from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami)

1. Symbolism of the Snake in East Asian Cultures

• Chinese Symbolism

  • Wisdom and Intuition: In Chinese culture, the Snake is considered a symbol of intelligence, strategy, and shrewdness. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to possess these traits.

  • Transformation and Rebirth: The Snake’s ability to shed its skin aligns with Daoist principles of renewal and adaptability.

  • Mystery and Spirituality: In Chinese mythology, the Snake is associated with spiritual awareness and is often linked to the dragon as a smaller but equally mystical creature.

• Japanese Symbolism

  • Protection and Luck: In Japanese folklore, the Snake (Hebi, 蛇) is regarded as a guardian of treasures and a symbol of prosperity. It is also believed to ward off misfortune.

  • Mythological Connections: The Snake is connected to Shinto deities, such as Benzaiten, the goddess of water and wealth, who is often depicted with snakes.

• Korean Symbolism

  • Duality: In Korean culture, the Snake can symbolize both protection and danger, reflecting its dual role as a bringer of wisdom and a creature to be respected for its power.

  • Fertility: The Snake is associated with the cycle of life, often appearing in folk art as a representation of fertility and continuity.

• Vietnamese Symbolism

  • Grace and Elegance: In Vietnamese culture, the Snake is admired for its beauty and fluidity. It represents a calm, introspective nature and is linked to spiritual balance.

Snake and Melons by Hokusai

2. Common Themes in Snake Paintings

• Elegance and Fluidity:

  • The Snake’s slender and coiled form is often depicted with graceful brushstrokes, reflecting its mystical and graceful nature.

• Connection to Nature:

  • Snakes are frequently shown in their natural habitats, intertwined with bamboo, rocks, or trees, symbolizing harmony with the environment.

• Mythological Context:

  • In some paintings, the Snake appears as a spiritual creature, sometimes paired with dragons or deities, symbolizing power and protection.

• Seasonal Imagery:

  • Snakes are often featured in spring-themed paintings, as their emergence after winter hibernation represents renewal and vitality.

Snake by Xu Beihong

3. Famous Examples of Snake Paintings in East Asian Art

• Chinese Art

  • “Snake and Bamboo” by Qi Baishi (齐白石):

  • Description: A minimalist ink painting of a snake slithering around bamboo stalks. The loose, expressive brushstrokes capture the snake’s elegance and stealth.

  • Symbolism: The combination of the snake and bamboo reflects resilience and adaptability.

  • “Snake Under a Rock” by an Anonymous Ming Dynasty Painter:

  • Description: This detailed painting shows a snake coiled under a jagged rock, emphasizing its connection to nature and its mysterious, hidden qualities.

• Japanese Art

  • “Snake and the Moon” (Unknown Edo Period Artist):

  • Description: This ukiyo-e painting shows a snake curling upward, gazing at the moon. The juxtaposition of the snake and the moon symbolizes mystery and spiritual awakening.

  • Cultural Connection: Snakes are often associated with lunar symbolism in Japan, representing intuition and emotional depth.

  • “Snake as Benzaiten’s Messenger”:

  • Description: In some scroll paintings, snakes are shown accompanying the goddess Benzaiten, reinforcing their role as protectors and symbols of wealth.

• Korean Art

  • Snake and Pine Tree” (Joseon Dynasty Folk Painting):

  • Description: This folk painting shows a snake coiled around the trunk of a pine tree, a symbol of longevity and protection.

  • Symbolism: The pine tree adds a layer of spiritual strength and eternal life, emphasizing the snake’s role as a guardian.

  • Temple Murals of Zodiac Guardians:

  • Description: In Buddhist temples, the Snake is depicted as one of the Twelve Zodiac Guardian Deities, often in anthropomorphic form with a snake’s head and human body.

• Vietnamese Art

  • Dong Ho Snake Paintings:

  • Description: Vietnamese Dong Ho folk art frequently features zodiac animals, including snakes, depicted in vibrant colors with decorative patterns.

  • Symbolism: These images are associated with luck and are often displayed during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).

Snake by Qi Baishi

4. Modern and Contemporary Snake Paintings

• Hua Tunan’s Abstract Snake Art:

  • Description: Contemporary Chinese artist Hua Tunan incorporates the snake in his dynamic, graffiti-inspired ink splashes. His work bridges traditional Chinese brush painting techniques with modern street art aesthetics.

  • Symbolism: His snakes often symbolize power and fluid motion, reflecting the timeless qualities of the zodiac Snake.

• Japanese Modern Artists:

  • Contemporary Japanese artists like Motoi Yamamoto, known for salt installations, have also incorporated snake motifs in minimalist or abstract ways, emphasizing their connection to nature and spirituality.

Snake by Yang Shanshen

5. Snake Symbolism in Astrology and Personality

• The zodiac Snake is thought to embody wisdom, introspection, and charm.

• In astrology, Snake years (e.g., 1989, 2001, 2013) are associated with deep thinkers, intuitive minds, and individuals with a sense of mystery and grace.

The Snake in East Asian art is a profound symbol of wisdom, mystery, and transformation. From traditional ink paintings by masters like Qi Baishi to modern graffiti-inspired works by artists like Hua Tunan, the snake continues to captivate viewers with its elegance and spiritual depth. Its presence in art reflects its role as a zodiac animal that bridges the worlds of nature, mythology, and philosophy, embodying qualities that resonate across centuries and cultures.