The tortoise of turtle is said to live for ten thousand years and partly due to the strength of its shell has a certain awe of indestructibility and endurance. Sometimes they are shown individually as statues, other times as family units supporting each other, caring for each other, with the youngest on top being supported and the father or mother on the bottom supporting them. So in this way they are prosperous symbols for family life. Sometimes they are shown on water, or an ocean of joy, enjoying peace and tranquillity.
Sometimes the turtle is shown on coins, which connects to the idea of living to a good age in prosperity. The tortoise or turtle shell is said to have the markings of heaven and earth on them and its four feet are said to support the world.