Zu Tianli (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Rat" Water color on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. It is unclear exactly when in ancient times the Chinese began to use the "Sheng Xiao," or lunar horoscope, to predict the character and fate of a person born in a given year. However, we do know that, even today, the horoscope remains an integral part of everyday life for many people in China and elsewhere around the world. Regarded by many Westerners as a combination of mathematical complexities and symbolic tradition. The 12 fastest competitors would receive a place on the calendar according to the order in which they finished. The last stage of the race involved crossing a large river. The rat convinced the kind-hearted ox to carry him across and, as they neared the riverbank, the rat leapt from the ox's back onto land. Through his trickery, the rat succeeded in winning the race and capturing first place in the calendar. Perhaps this explains why those born during the Year of the Rat are said to be impatient and somewhat opportunistic. People whose birth years are represented by the rat are also believed to be cheerful, sentimental and devoted to their families. The Years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B11300)