Zu Tianli (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Ram" Water color on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. In ancient China, the calendar was considered a sacred document, sponsored and promulgated by the reigning Emperor. For some two millennia, a Bureau of Astronomy made astronomical observations, calculated astronomical events such as eclipses, prepared astrological predictions and maintained the calendar. A successful calendar, in addition to serving practical needs, was thought to confirm the consonance between Heaven and the imperial court. According to legend, the Lord Buddha summoned all of the world's animals to come and bid him farewell before he departed from earth. Only twelve animals showed up; as a reward, the Lord Buddha named a year after each one. The Chinese believe the animal which rules the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on that individual's personality, saying "This is the animal that hides in your heart." Those born in the Year of the Ram (recent years 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) are said to be wise, gentle and sincere. They are elegant and passionate while tending to be shy and somewhat pessimistic in nature. Although often timid, they are talented in the arts and are thought to enjoy comfortable living throughout their lives. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 24 x 20 in. Unframed. (B11277)