Learning guide by Chinese Paper Cut
Animals of the twelve-year cycle
Where the meaning comes from
The V&A explains the cycle and illustrates historical zodiac figures. This calendar context is different from claiming that an animal predicts someone’s personality or future. A picture of an animal may also simply be a picture of that animal.
Reading these patterns
The rat, ox, monkey and dog designs below offer a way to explore this tradition. We have not assigned invented wealth or luck promises to each one. A farm scene or an uncertain animal silhouette is not automatically included just because it resembles a zodiac animal.
Patterns with this motif
Explore different designs with the same motif. The interpretation concerns the recognizable symbol; surrounding ornaments may simply be decorative.
