Title
12 zodiac sculptures
Year/Period
2012
Region
Shanghai
Material
Dimension
Object size: 28.6 x 28.7 x 30.8 cm
Accession No.
2013-00337
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr Jackie Chan
The group of twelve bronze zodiac animal heads was designed as new contemporary works of art based on the original Qing period zodiac sculptures. In historical context, the original twelve zodiac animal heads were part of what is known as the water clock in the old Summer Palace (圆明园). In 1860, the palace was sacked by the British and French forces during the Second Opium War (1856-1860). At this time, the heads were looted. Mr. Jackie Chan hopes that people will become aware of the importance of treasuring and respecting cultural heritage and also urges for the repatriation of antiquities to their original owners. This is his message to present and future generations
