In the magic and mystery of the Chinese zodiac, each animal represents one year in a twelve-year cycle; the twelve animals — Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig — have served as inspiration for fine artists and folk artists throughout the centuries. Used to embellish everyday objects in the home or as decorations to celebrate special occasions, Chinese zodiac animal motifs represent hopes, dreams, and wishes for health, luck, and wealth. They also demonstrated the human desire to explore a relationship with the natural world and the universe. This exhibition welcomed the Year of the Pig, the last of the twelve-year cycle, displaying over fifty art objects that illustrated how folk beliefs and legends of the twelve zodiac animals permeate all aspects of Chinese life, including paintings, prints, paper cuts, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, papier-mâché, and textiles.

Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
十二生肖:庆中国新年
January 20 – March 4, 1995
Media Coverage
- The New Yorker
- World Journal 世界日报
Related Programs
- Lecture: Kwan Lau, “Origins of the Chinese Zodiac” (January 24, 1995).
- Lecture: Pun Yi with Master Tin Sun of Tin Sun Metaphysics Corporation, “Traditional Feng Shui: Chinese Geomancy and its Contemporary Popularity” (January 28, 1995).
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