Chinese Zodiac Signs in Art

Chinese Zodiac Signs in Art

Each of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs has a unique character that differentiates them from one another. Amongst the previous lots sold and the highlights in our upcoming auctions and private sales, we selected the works that would deeply resonate with each sign.

Each of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs has a unique character that differentiates them from one another. Amongst the previous lots sold and the highlights in our upcoming auctions and private sales, we selected the works that would deeply resonate with each sign.

Ai Weiwei, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, 2010. Sold for US $3,370,000. 20th Century and Contemporary Art.

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12th February 2021 marks the start of a new lunar year cycle. What will happen in the coming year for each zodiac sign? Undoubtedly, we are not fortune tellers who can provide a glimpse into the year ahead. Our team of specialists, however, are able to recommend the artworks that represent each sign, based on their significant personalities. Remarkably creative and exquisite, these highlights are from either previous or upcoming auctions and private sales. The abundant satisfactions brought by these artworks would surely turn your new year into a magnet for miracles.

 

Rat

Born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008.

Damien Hirst, Mickey, 2016. Price Upon Request. London Desired.

Characteristics: Optimistic and hardworking, people born in the Year of the Rat are smart and quick-witted. They are born outstanding observers with a critical way of thinking. Their ability to adapt to various situations swiftly also makes them excel at socializing and networking.

Artist born in the Year of the Rat: Jean-Michel Basquiat (born in 1960)

 

Ox

Born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009

Michael Craig-Martin, Study (cans), 2010. Estimate: GBP3,000 - 5,000. Wired Online.

Characteristics: Honesty, reliability, responsibility, and persistence are often associated with the people born in the Year of the Ox. They like to work in a step-by-step manner and follow through entire process. Practical and not a fan of adventures, the fellow Oxen are likely to collect masterpieces due to their massive popularity. A British contemporary master like Michael Craig-Martin would be a perfect fit for them.

Artist born in the Year of the Ox: David Hockney (born in 1937)

 

 

Tiger

Born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010

 

Robert Longo, Untitled (Roaring Tiger Print), 2015. Sold for US$62,500. Editions & Works on Paper.

Characteristics: Full of confidence and independence by nature, people born in the Year of the Tiger crave recognition and validation. They are bold, adventurous and courageous in terms of exploring new aspects of life. A series of tiger-themed works by Robert Longo’s was once featured in different auctions held by Phillips.

Artist born in the Year of the Tiger: KAWS (born in 1974)

Rabbit

Born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011

 

Josh Smith, Two works: (i-ii) Untitled, 2007. Estimate: GBP7,000 - 10,000. Wired Online Auction.

Characteristics: Gentle, kind, optimistic, and considerate are some of the best adjectives for people born in the Year of the Rabbit. Despite having a refined temperament, the Rabbits are a bit reluctant to reveal their authentic selves with a tendency to escape from the reality. Surrealist works such as Josh Smith's Untitled paintings may help to ease their intense emotions, allowing them to face challenges in the 3D world.

Artist born in the Year of the Rabbit: Fang Li Jun (born in 1963)

Dragon

Born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012

 

Andy Warhol, Details of Renaissance Paintings (Paolo Uccello, St. George and the Dragon, 1460), 1984. Sold for GBP32,500. Edition Schellmann.

Characteristics: Dragon is the only fictional animal in the twelve zodiac signs and has a unique symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese culture. People born in the Year of the Dragon are known as ambitious dreamers who are decisive, willing to work hard, charismatic and romantic. Andy Warhol, a Pop Art master, is the best representative amongst the Dragons, and he had created a spectrum of dragon-themed works.

Artist born in the Year of the Dragon: Andy Warhol (born in 1928)

Snake

Born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013

Hester Finch, Headless Nude (Seated, Pink/Purple/Yellow), 2015. Estimate: GBP1,000 - 2,000. Wired Online.

Characteristics: Energetic, easy-going, and cheerful, people born in the Year of the Snake are very aware of their own abilities and highly value spirituality. Born diplomatic communicators, they expand their social circles through new hobbies. Will collecting art possibly become a new hobby for the Snakes? For these new collectors, works by Hester Finch, an up-and-coming artist who gains his popularity recently, would offer some quality options.

Artist born in the Year of the Snake: Eddie Martinez (born in 1977)

Horse

Born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014

Roy Lichtenstein, Horse and Rider, 1976. Sold for US$5,955,000. 20th Century and Contemporary Art

Characteristics: People born in the Year of the Horse are often linked to setting the right intentions and overcoming any challenges to reach their goals. Lively, cheerful, and likeable, they are just like social butterflies who are frequently seen in parties, art exhibitions, or any sorts of dynamic social events.

Artist born in the Year of the Horse: Anish Kapoor (born in 1954)

Goat

Born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015

 

Tim Noble and Sue Webster, FUCKINGBEAUTIFUL (ICE BLUE VERSION), 2017. Estimate: GBP40,000 - 60,000. Wired Online.

Characteristics: Definitely not troublemakers, people born in the Year of the Goat are kindhearted and often project some gentle and tolerant vibes. They pay close attention to their lifestyles and follow almost all fashion trends. The works by the art duo of Tim Noble and Sue Webster created with neon lights, a non-traditional medium, are probably able to serve their artistic tastes.

Artist born in the Year of the Goat: Christopher Wool (born in 1955)

Monkey

Born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016

 

Jonas Wood, Large Shelf Still Life, 2017. Estimate: GBP800 - 1,200. Wired: Online.

Characteristics: Agile and energetic, people born in the Year of the Monkey are so self-motivated that they can often be very competitive. An excessively quiet lifestyle may not suit them; while a dynamic city life may cater to their personality instead. This work by Jonas Wood would bring some wildlife ambiances to a busy urban life.

Artist born in the Year of the Monkey: Gerhard Richter (born in 1932)

Rooster

Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017

 

Chen Wen Hsi, Chickens and Sparrows Amongst Flowers, 1987. Sold for HK$289,800. 20th Century & Contemporary Art and Design.

Characteristics: Efficient, intelligent, and joyful, people born in the Year of the Rooster often live a rather vibrant life and enjoy being the spotlight of a circle. Just like what was depicted in Chen Wen Hsi's Chickens and Sparrows Amongst Flowers, which was sold in 20th Century and Contemporary Art and Design Day Sale last year, the Roosters are always in groups even amongst beautiful flowers.

Artist born in the Year of the Rooster: Tala Madani (born in 1981)

Dog

Born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006

 

Genieve Figgis, Lady with a Dog, 2010. Estimate: GBP18,000 - 25,000. Wired: Online.

Characteristics: Loyal and responsible, people born in the Year of the Dog are down-to-earth with their own set of pragmatic principles. Always focusing on humanity and morality, their trait of giving their best makes them exceptionally trustworthy.

Artist born in the Year of the Dog: Keith Haring (born in 1958)

Pig

Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007

Grayson Perry, Piggy Bank, 2017. Estimate: GBP1,500 - 2,500. Wired Online.

Characteristics: People born in the Year of the Pig are natural leaders with a mature way of dealing with different scenarios. They are determined and rational even in the face of adversity. Magnanimous and generous, they adopt a blunt attitude towards others' mistakes.

Artist born in the Year of the Pig: Peter Doig (born in 1959)

 

 

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