Lunar New Year: Year of the Ox - Honest Ox - The Walters Art Museum
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Lunar New Year: Year of the Ox
Honest Ox
Lunar New Year is on February 12, 2021, and 2021 is the Year of the Ox! The Ox is the second animal in the
Chinese Zodiac. Zodiac is a word derived from Ancient Greek meaning “cycle or circle of little animals.” The
legend of the Chinese Zodiac is that a long, long time ago, the Jade Emperor (a mythical Chinese god) wanted
to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into the world to spread the message that the
earlier an animal went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank they would have. During this legendary
race the Ox was kind, and gave the Rat a lift on its back. The Ox was then cheated of his win when the Rat
jumped off his back and ahead of the Ox in order to secure first place. The trusting Ox then came in second.
The other Chinese Zodiac animals are the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog,
and Pig.
The Ox used to be an essential animal for agricultural or farm work and still is in many places around the
world. It is associated with characteristics of calm, perseverance, and honesty. It is an extremely capable and
strong animal. People born in the Year of the Ox, are hard working, faithful, and helpful.
Art Activity: Paper Ox
Materials:
● Paper towel or toilet paper roll
● Yarn
● Scissors
● Glue
● Paper or felt
● Markers or paint
● Pencil
● Googly eyes (optional)
Steps:
1. Start by collecting your materials. If you don’t have something on the list, use your creativity to find a
substitute.
2. Cut a piece of paper towel or toilet paper tube 3‒4 inches in length. This will be the base of your ox.
3. Cut four semicircles from the bottom of the tube to create your ox’s legs.
4. Fold in the top of the tube.
5. Decorate the body of your ox with markers or paint. Give your ox some solid feet or hooves! 6. Trace the horns and a nose on paper and cut them out. Glue them on to the front of your ox. 7. Cut out ears and a tail from felt or a piece of paper and glue them to your ox. 8. Create hair from pieces of yarn and glue them to the top of your ox. 9. Give your ox eyes by drawing, painting, or glueing googly eyes.
10. Display your ox in a special place where you will be reminded to persevere when times get tough, and
as a reminder that helpfulness and kindness go a long way.
Collection Connection
Reclining Ox
Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, Reclining Ox, 19th century.
Carved from ivory, this small sculpture of an ox is a netsuke. Netsuke are miniature sculptures invented in 17th-century Japan, during the Edo period, that served a practical function. Traditional Japanese robes did not have pockets, so people carried small bags or containers, called sagemono. A netsuke secured the cord of the sagemono to a sash around the person’s waist. Netsuke are objects of extraordinary craftsmanship that are still collected today and have long been commissioned to express or represent the values of the owner. Think about the characteristics of the ox, like strength and honesty. What do you think the person who owned this netsuke was like? What animal would you want to represent you?
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