Seiryu, a large dragon, is one of four spiritual creatures of Chinese mythology. Called Seiryu, Ryu or Ryuu in Japan,
Images of dragons are found throughout Asia. The mortal enemy of the dragon is the bird-man Karura and the Phoenix, which is closely linked with Suzaku, another of the four spiritual creatures.
Seiryu corresponds to the season spring, the colors green and blue, the element wood and the virtue propriety.
Source: Japanese Buddhist Statuary