Zu Tianli (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Tiger" Water color on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. The Chinese calendar, or Sheng Xiao, is a combination of symbolism and mathematical complexities. The Sheng Xiao dates back to antiquity, possibly originating during the reign of Emperor Huang in 2637 B.C. Inscriptions of this system on animal bones have been excavated at the Yin Ruins of Anyang, Henan. Twelve animals are associated with the calendar -- the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The Sheng Xiao consists of repeating 12 year cycles, with 1998 being the Year of the Tiger. Those born in a given year are said to share that animal's character traits. People born during the Year of the Tiger are powerful, ambitious, determined, yet also kind. The years of the Tiger are: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010. Image Size: 12.25 x 11 in. Overall Size: 24 x 20 in. Unframed. (B11279)