On the wings of good fortune

According to Chinese tradition a rooster is an embodiment of the “five virtues”. It is perceived to be intelligent as its red crown reminds one of the hat of Zhuangyuan (scholar who tops the imperial examinations). It is believed to be intrepid because a rooster often perches itself on high altitudes. Its egalitarian nature, manifest in its propensity to call out to its fellows to share a meal, is much appreciated. It is regarded as courageous as it can defend itself. It is also thought of as loyal to its owner, stay vigilant at night and crowing to mark the breaking dawn.

These five virtues are desirable qualities in human beings as well. Therefore, images of roosters are not just worth their artistic value but are also cherished for being able to inspire a feeling of bliss in the viewer.

The roosters and persimmons in the image titled Good Fortune and Luck for Everything are highly symbolic. Roosters symbolize luck and fortune, while persimmons connote just about everything, since the Chinese word for persimmon sounds similar to that for “thing”. The artist drew the image freehand-style, completing the piece in one sitting. He applied high temperature glaze before putting the clay into a 1,380 C kiln to fire, to create this free, simple but exquisite piece of work. The artist wishes that looking at this piece will bring......