兔 兔
兔 兔 — 中国生肖第4个生肖，由李湘绘制，其名字以甲骨文形式呈现。月亮上的那一只。
The one in the moon
- Gentle
- Diplomatic
- Careful
- Lucky
The Rabbit is the mildest sign of the twelve and the luckiest to be born under: tactful, elegant, averse to conflict, good at getting what it wants without a fight. It came fourth in the race by hopping across on stepping stones, which is exactly how a Rabbit would do it.
In Chinese sky-lore the rabbit lives on the moon, grinding the elixir of immortality with a mortar and pestle beside the goddess Chang'e — which is why the Mid-Autumn Festival is full of them, and why a Chinese child looking at a full moon is more likely to see a rabbit than a face.
Two of them here, nose to nose over one carrot. The sign of the Rabbit is a sign of company.
The name in the corner
Top right, black ink: the old form of 兔 — a hare in profile, ears laid back, the short cocked tail that distinguishes it from every other four-legged character.
Why oracle-bone script →Give the Year of the Rabbit
Canvas prints, scarves, puzzles and more — from $14.
Two full-color hardcovers — 217 empresses, 413 painted characters.
Questions? Write to xiangliart@gmail.com