New exhibition displays unique Chinese zodiac sculptures

The Peak Life and Water - zodiac sculpture exhibition is opened with two sets of Chinese zodiac sign sculptures in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on January 20, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the exhibition

 
An exhibition of zodiac sculptures called Peak Life and Water opened in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Saturday.

The 12 zodiac signs are used in Chinese tradition to mark each year. Each zodiac sign also corresponds to twelve hours in the day. In addition to the traditional calendar function, the 12 zodiac signs are also a kind of folk custom and culture, which reflects Chinese people’s understanding of the year. 

The sculptures are by artist Zhu Feng, a young professor at the School of Art at the Geely University of China in Beijing. Zhu is also vice-president of the Sichuan Sculpture Association. 

Each sculpture is based on a single zodiac animal. For example, the tiny golden birds standing on the head of an ox remind visitors of birds perching on an ox, chewing the worms they have just captured. In another, a monkey balances a golden peach on its head. For the dragon sculpture, a golden and glorious ball floats in front of the intimidating dragon. 

The expressions of these zodiac sculptures are vivid but calm. Some of them seem to be resting, content in their mediation. 

“Only the snake has its eyes open,” Zhu noted. “If you see a snake’s eyes are closed, that means it is in hibernation.” The elegant and exquisite modelling has delighted visitors so much that even before the opening ceremony of the exhibition, some collectors expressed a desire to buy the sculptures.

“The details are clear and concise in the monolithic body full of tension, and the modeling language is clear and precise,” wrote Xu Liaoyuan, one of the exhibition’s academic supporters in the introduction for the exhibition. 

Liu jun, curator of the exhibition, also praised Zhu’s sculptures for their unique traits. “Twelve different animals present their full emotions from within, in which all passions and energies lie and gather. Huge room for imagination is left for the viewers,” Liu said.

Zhu said creating the unique characteristics of each sculpture had been challenging. Each animal in the zodiac has different qualities, but it was also necessary to create a common and complete visual sensation for the viewers. 

“Nowadays people are living in an era that is always changing and they are bombarded by endless messages and information. This series of sculptures by Zhu can heal these anxieties,” said Liu.

The exhibition will last until Match 20 and is free of charge.