Finally in the shallows after crossing the river, the water buffalo nears the end of the Great Race. The beast, sculpted in pewter gilt with 24K gold, takes a determined step onto the riverbank. Abstract motifs of waves, rocks and clouds decorate the base of crimson composite resin.

Folk tales recount the oriental zodiac's origins with the story of the Great Race, called by the deity the Jade Emperor to assign each year in the 12-year cycle an animal in the order they reached him by crossing a river. First past the post was the Rat, then the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Included is a H4cm x 12cm landscape format engraving plate for personalisation.

About the collection
The Ox is the second sign of the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) share the character traits of tolerance, determination, a decisive nature and trust in others.