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The Sound of One Hand: Reaching Beyond the limits of Traditional Ink Painting

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Year of the Metal Rat


Sumi-e by Nan Rae 
(Permission from artist)



Chinese Horoscope - Year of The Metal Rat



The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first. The Rat is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支—dì zhī) Zi (子) and the midnight hours. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳—yīn yáng), the Rat is yang and represents the beginning of a new day. In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children.



Personality and Characteristics 



Optimistic and energetic, people born in the Rat year are likable by all. They are sensitive to other’s emotions but are stubborn with their opinion. Their personality is kind, but due to weak communication skills, their words may seem impolite and rude. On the financial side, they like saving and can be stingy. However, their love for hoarding will sometimes cause them to waste money on unnecessary things.



The year of the metal rat will be a year of new beginnings for everyone!


Sumi-e by Fumiyo Yoshikawa
Member of ICCPS - North America Branch

The Rat is the first animal of the Chinese Zodiac, having won the Jade Emperor’s race.  There are different versions of this story, including what happened to the cat!

Apparently, the Rat represents diligence, kindness, and generosity, and the Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for most Chinese zodiac signs.

Sumi-e by Tai Oi Yee
Member ICCPS - North America Branch

Sumi-e by Maria Papp
Member - ICCPS North America Branch



Casey Shannon
Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS
International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

Casey Shannon Studio Art.
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凱西香儂齋

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