Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
十二生肖：庆中国新年

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.