十w 二
e l v e
S H E N G X I A O I N
A R T
A N D
Z O D I A C
C R E A T U R E S
W O R D S
A L I C E F O R E W O R D
B Y
J O H N
G U R - A R I E E .
V O L L M E R
1
Look to the voices in my stories: the textures and the temperaments of the creatures I have divined will tell you who I am, where I have been, and the shapes and shadows of my dreams. A l i c e G u r- A r i e
2
A R T I S T ’ S V I S I O N The idea for this book took shape in my mind when my f r i e n d J o h n V o l l m e r, w h o s e international reputation as a r e s p e c t e d A s i a n a r t s c h o l a r, curator and consultant is as firmly entrenched as his generosity of spirit, invited me to create the image for h i s Ye a r o f t h e H o r s e C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r g r e e t i n g c a r d . Using as inspiration the short curatorial synopsis John w a n t e d t o i n c l u d e , I created Tianma, and redesigned the existing piece of communication. The result was a sophisticated eCard that John sent to his network of curators, galleries, dealers 3
and academics around the world. John
I invite the viewer to replace the win-
But creating the animal images was
was delighted with the response he
dow through which they see the world,
only the beginning of what has become
received, and we have collaborated on
with a lens that interprets visual expe-
Tw e l v e . O n e d a y, i n a n e m a i l e x c h a n g e
C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r g r e e t i n g c a r d s e v e r
rience into something that is at once
about my snake artwork, John recount-
since.
familiar and foreign. How to apply that
ed a Chinese tale about Bai Suzhen, or
a p p r o a c h t o t h e a n i m a l w o r l d , I k n e w,
Lady White Snake, casually suggesting
The experience of reinventing the
would be a challenge, but I set about
it would be amusing if she had snake-
Chinese zodiac for these animals was
finding the zodiac animals to photo-
s k i n s l i p p e r s . H e n c e t h e s t o r y, T h e
so satisfying that somewhere between
graph, the first step in the process.
Slippers of Bai Suzhen was born. And I k n e w t h e n , w i t h a b s o l u t e c e r t a i n t y, t h a t
T i a n m a a n d Ya n g ( Ye a r o f t h e S h e e p ) , I decided to create the entire collection
An d a w o n d r o u s p r o c e s s i t h a s b e e n .
I had to write a story relating to each
of all twelve creatures.
A m o n k e y, i s a m o n k e y, i s a m o n k e y ?
zodiac animal.
Absolutely not. When I lear ned from My work sits in the “sweet spot” where
John that there are at least 17 names
I b e g a n m y c a r e e r a s a w r i t e r, s o t h e
fine art and photography converge.
for monkeys in Chinese, I dared myself
idea of conceiving twelve short stories
Tr e a t i n g m y p h o t o g r a p h a s a c a n v a s ,
to explore one of the most haunting of
was far from daunting; Slippers was
images are interpreted as they are
my images in as many ways as possible
completed in two short sessions. The
repainted by hand digitally with a
—17, to be exact. The result is a fasci-
parameter of 750-1000 words per story
"brush", sometimes in layers to create
nating continuum that evokes a range
was entirely self-imposed; a creative
washes, sometimes pixel by pixel where
of emotional responses and anthropo-
challenge I set for myself because I
detail demands. But understand: my
morphic attributions, and has enormous
wanted the reader to be able to quickly
work starts with having a vision; it is
impact.
and effortlessly enter and exit the world
not about digital manipulation.
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o f a n y a n i m a l Ye a r a t t h e i r p l e a s u r e .
O u t o f o r d e r, a s a b e d t i m e p r e a m b l e ,
situations that if distant, are distinct
enthralled by a particular image or
and familiar; possibly archetypal, but
simply wanting to read a story—the
above all, in some way touching.
contents had to be accessible, inviting, memorable and rewarding.
There are facets of me everywhere. I am the wise poet and the agonising
While some of the stories exist only
Emperor in Mandate; I am the self-
in their own space and time, closer
a w a r e P i g g y, V i o l e t , w h o i s d i f f e r e n t
reading reveals that in about half the
from the others; I am the resolute
s t o r i e s , c h a r a c t e r s – h u m a n o r o t h e r-
Grace in Bequest, the daring child
w i s e – c o e x i s t i n t h e s a m e r e a l i t y, d e -
compelled to explore the forbidden
spite different locations and temporal
m y s t e r y o f t h e s l i p p e r s ; t h e b i t t e r,
c o n t e x t s . T h e y k n o w, o r k n o w o f , e a c h
almost-mad rat, the doomed dragon,
o t h e r, a d d i n g a n o t h e r d i m e n s i o n t o t h e
and the stubborn ox. Perhaps most
w o r l d o f Tw e l v e . E n j o y f i n d i n g t h e s e
telling, I am each of the seventeen
cross references as you read through
monkeys, trying to make sense of “6
the cycle.
s i d e s t o a d a y ” , w a n t i n g w h a t ’s b e y o n d their reach.
I strived to create voices that find their truth in a mix of myth, fable, anecdote, i m a g i n a t i o n , a n d o c c a s i o n a l l y, h i s t o r i cal fact. Characters for whom it is easy to suspend disbelief, living through
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B I R T H
L I K E N E S S A N D
F I V E
6
T R AV E L L E R S
生 肖
生 肖五 行
F O R E W O R D Ancient Chinese efforts to harmonize human experience in the world with the universe, and find meaningful correlations that could affect the future, resulted in a cosmology that structured concepts and relationships through an immense system of associations. Based on numeric patterns, it includes the Shengxiao (生肖, literally “birth
likeness”) and Wuxing
( 五 行 , l i t e r a l l y, “ f i v e t r a v e l l e r s ” ) . Both systems are related to observations of the motions of the planets against the groupings of stars, as the planets rotate counterclockwise around the pivot of the 7
north celestial pole. Shengxiao is based
norms. It also serves as the foundation
cycle is counted in years, each repre-
o n a l u n i s o l a r c a l e n d a r a n d J u p i t e r ’s
for concepts as diverse as Chinese
sented by an animal.
repeating 12-year cycle. The Wuxing is
medicine, and Feng shui (风水, literally
associated with the five planets visible
“wind-water”) for arranging spaces and
The origins of the quirky collection of
to the naked eye.
the art of cooking.
familiar farm animals, powerful wild beasts, plus a mythic dragon and a
Wuxing can also be translated as five
While the waxing and waning moon
rooster (the only gendered sign) are
“Elements” or “Phases”, in part because
marked other measures of time, the
l o s t t o h i s t o r y. E v i d e n c e o f d i v i n a t i o n s
each planet was identified with one of
number of annual lunar months did not
dates to the Shang dynasty (ca.1600-
the elements: wood, fire, earth, metal
c o i n c i d e w i t h a s o l a r y e a r. R a t h e r, t h e
1046 BCE) and associated animals with
a n d w a t e r. T h e P h a s e s w e r e t h o u g h t t o
Chinese preference for twelve expressed
celestial events. The present grouping
relate to each other and interact in
in an early counting scheme, known
of signs was given official recognition
sequential ways: generating, controlling,
a s D i z h i ( 地 支 , t r a n s l a t e d a s “ Tw e l v e
d u r i n g t h e H a n d y n a s t y.
destroying. And, being dynamic, they
Earthly Branches”) resulted in the divi-
animated all the other Chinese group-
sion of the solar year into 12 months.
I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e Tw e l v e E a r t h l y
ings of five: colours, senses, directions,
C o n s e q u e n t l y, J u p i t e r ’s 1 1 . 8 5 e a r t h
Branches system, ancient calendar
seasons, and stages of life.
year cycle was also rounded up to 12.
making in China used a second counting system, the Tiangan (天干, translated
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During the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220
Shengxiao is often translated into
a s “ Te n H e a v e n l y S t e m s ” ) . C o m b i n i n g
CE), Wuxing thought became a distinct
English as “zodiac”, a generic term
these two systems created a sixty
p h i l o s o p h y, w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h e d e s c r i p -
that reflects superficial similarities to
y e a r c y c l e . Tr a d i t i o n a l l y, s i x t y y e a r s ( 5
tion of aesthetic principles, historical
Wester n systems. Both divide cycles
times12) marked a full life, in which
events, political structures and social
of time into twelve parts. The Chinese
o n e ’s z o d i a c a n i m a l c y c l e d f i v e t i m e s ,
each time associated with a different el-
opposite bank of a river they all had to
running around, and missed the actual
ement of the Wuxing: wood, fire, earth,
cross. Just as the ox was climbing out
start of the race. He came in second
m e t a l , a n d w a t e r.
o f t h e w a t e r, t h e r a t s c a m p e r e d d o w n
to last, for eleventh place. The pig got
t h e o x ’s m u z z l e a n d j u m p e d o n t o t h e
hungry waiting and decided to forage
Chinese folk culture presents us with a
r i v e r b a n k a t t h e J a d e E m p e r o r ’s f e e t t o
in the fields on a far bank. Once he
charming story about how the sequence
claim first place.
had eaten his fill he took a nap and also missed the start of the race, thus
o f a n i m a l s i n t h e z o d i a c w a s d e t e rm i n e d . T h e J a d e E m p e r o r, R u l e r o f a l l
The all-powerful dragon finished fifth
finishing last, and was awarded twelfth
Heaven, invited animals to congratulate
because it delayed leaving in time, in
p l a c e b y t h e J a d e E m p e r o r.
h i m o n h i s b i r t h d a y. T h e J a d e E m p e r o r
order to make rain to put out a house
set the conditions for a race that would
fire in a nearby village. The sheep,
So, in order of their finishing the race:
be the centerpiece of the birthday fete.
m o n k e y, a n d r o o s t e r a r r i v e d t o g e t h e r o n
r a t , o x , t i g e r, r a b b i t , d r a g o n , s n a k e ,
Each of the twelve years of the zodiac
a r a f t . B e c a u s e o f t h e s h e e p ’s c a l m i n g
h o r s e , s h e e p , m o n k e y, r o o s t e r, d o g ,
cycle would be named for an animal in
demeanor on the rather rough passage,
and pig.
the order it finished the race.
his raft mates insisted the sheep exit the raft first, taking eighth place. The
The longer version of this tale informs
monkey was next off, followed by the
us that the reason the cat was omitted
r o o s t e r, t h u s c l a i m i n g n i n t h a n d t e n t h
w a s b e c a u s e t h e c a t ’s b e s t f r i e n d , t h e
p l a c e s r e s p e c t i v e l y.
J o h n E . Vo l l m e r
rat, misinformed him of the day for t h e r a c e . F u r t h e r, w i t h h i s k e e n e y e -
The dog and pig were last, despite
sight, the rat offered to guide the ox, a
being good swimmers. The dog was
strong swimmer but nearly blind, to the
distracted by interesting scents and
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十w 二 10
e l v e S H E N G X I A O
Z O D I A C
C R E A T U R E S
11
12
一 1
R
鼠 A
T 13
THE BUSINESS OF BEING A R AT
I am a rat.
Jews. The Nazi talks in metaphors,
No, not in the sense of genus Rattus,
to the part about rats, you know he is
but the Chinese zodiac animal meaning. I was about 13 when I first heard
of the Chinese zodiac. But it affected me immediately, in a stunning way,
making me think that someone or something out there knew about me, in fact knew me. Knew I wished I had Jordie B u c k ’s s c o o t e r , k n e w I c o p i e d K e i t h
talking about himself. The hiding place is revealed, and the Jews are shot. I
was repelled by the whole rat business before I saw the movie, but this scene etched a yawning, disagreeable mark o n m y p s y c h e . Yo u c o u l d s a y I n e v e r got over it.
M e r r a l y ’s a n s w e r s o n t h e e x a m . A n d
Once, I Googled “Chinese zodiac rat”,
the headaches. Knew about the fine,
I found a tidy little square char t on
all these years later, knew I lied about straight, still-purple scars on the back
of my arms. Knew me better than I knew myself…knew I would be writing all this down.
I am not happy about being a rat. It
conjures up all kinds of negative images. My brain cannot help but play a h o r r i d 1 9 5 0 ’s s t y l e v i d e o c l i p o f a
woman screaming when she sees one
in her basement. And of course, I’ve never forgotten the Brad Pitt movie (Brad Pitt isn’t very good in it, but
the other actors are) where a nasty Nazi officer arrives at the home of
a French farmer suspected of hiding
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and when the story he makes up gets
just to see whether I fit the profile.
the Wikipedia page that cites positive traits as: ambitious, intelligent,
persuasive, sociable, charming, god
like, charismatic, shrewd, industrious, meticulous, tenacious, artistic,
eloquent. Not that I didn’t like it, but the “god like” bit I didn’t get. Just
beside it, the negative traits are listed: vindictive, manipulative, selfish, cunning, self-destructive, exploitative,
scheming, arrogant, amoral, jealous, suspicious, ruthless, critical, venal, envious, greedy.
I’d give the author of those lists a
pretty good review, although you have
to admit, many people have a little of
all those characteristics. I wonder how they decide what words to use. No, I need to go back and re-write those
l a s t s e n t e n c e s . Fo r o n c e , I w a n t t o b e honest, not flippant, or rude. I am all
those things on the list - the negative o n e s . T h a t ’s h o w t h e w h o l e J o r d i e
t h i n g c a m e a b o u t , a n d t h a t ’s w h y i t ended the way it did.
It was, in fact, Jordie who explained the order of the zodiac cycle of
animals to me, reading from a piece of paper he had copied from somewhere. “ I t ’s a c o m m o n m y t h , ” h e t o l d m e ,
although he didn’t say where he found it. When he finished, I felt like I had
stopped breathing. I have committed it to memory, exactly as he told it,
but I still have the blue-lined, 3 hole
punched scrap of notepaper with his writing on it:
The most important Chinese god, t h e J a d e E m p e r o r, i n v i t e d t h e
n a m e d d a y, a n d t h e J a d e E m p e r o r
t h e c a t t h e w r o n g d a y, s o t h e c a t
lined them up on a riverbank and
misses out on the chance to win
gave them the task of getting to
the honor of being assigned one
the other side. The year cycle was
of the years.
to be set by the order in which the animals reached the other bank.
Ye s , t h e r a t h a d p u r p o s e f u l l y m i s informed the cat about the actual
date of the contest, to increase his H e r e ’s t h e p a r t a b o u t t h e r a t : The cunning rat was afraid of
own chances of success. And Jordie
thought it was hilarious. He could have been a rat too.
water and requested a ride on the back of the ox, in exchange f o r g u i d i n g t h e p o o r- s i g h t e d b e a s t . Just as the ox stepped on shore, the rat jumped off and finished the race first, becoming the sign for the first year in the cycle. The ox, t i g e r, r a b b i t , d r a g o n , s n a k e , h o r s e , s h e e p , m o n k e y, r o o s t e r, d o g a n d p i g followed.
I don’t exactly remember how I got
from that day to this one. I have tried to write about it, but I end up writing around it, as I have here. I have tried talking about it, but when I do, that sick, almost-dead feeling star ts to
come back and chokes me. I only know that that harmless little story
p o i s o n e d m e . Po i s o n e d J o r d i e , t o o .
F u n n y t o t h i n k o f i t t h a t w a y . Po i s o n e d A n d t h e r e ’s a s e c o n d e n d i n g t o t h e
story too, as if the first deception was
the rat who poisoned the rat. Lucky the lady in my head wasn’t harmed.
not bad enough.
animals to his court to be select-
When the rat gets the invitation
ed as the sign to represent each
f r o m t h e J a d e E m p e r o r, t h e c a t
of the years in the twelve-year
i s a w a y, b u t t h e r a t s a y s h e w i l l
cycle. The animals arrived on the
pass on the news. The rat gives
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16
二 2
牛 O
X
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A C O M M E N D AT I O N F O R M Y FRIEND THE OX, AS TOLD B Y T H E C AT
Yo u w i l l b e - s h o u l d b e - s u r p r i s e d t o hear from me. I was not supposed to
be a character in this book, as you will
when I learned of the ruse.
know if you read the rat story. But
I doubt you need to be reminded that
constant friend the Ox, whose recent
vented my friend from receiving the
here I am, to pay tribute to my dear,
experience in deception destroyed his faith in the balance of the universe, and ultimately led to his demise.
Yo u d o n ’ t h a v e a n y t h i n g t o g o o n ,
really, in terms of my character, other
i t w a s t h e R a t ’s d e c e p t i o n t h a t p r e -
highest of honours bestowed by the Emperor: first place in the race to cross the river. First in the zodiac
cycle. The details have been confirmed by many who were present.
than perhaps, some experience with
But I digress. The point of this story
you will know that I possess a rever-
highly respected character; one who
someone in my extended family. If so, ence for independence, the determi-
nation to live life on my terms, and an abhorrence of all things intended to
curb my passions for - well, the list is
rather long… But that does not mean I
am not a loyal friend. I am proud of my reputation for standing by those for
whom I have affection, and this com-
is to honour a decent, steadfast,
cared about others, and who embodied a sense of social duty and responsibility for the general well being of those
h e e n c o u n t e r e d . Ye s , o c c a s i o n a l l y h e
could be stubborn, but he himself was a forgiving character, and I cannot praise him enough.
mendation is testament to that.
Where was he when his friend the
I recall the facts of the situation quite
pranks with mud holes? When the
clearly, but I will not repeat them to you in detail, because you already know what transpired, and telling
the story only causes me to become breathless and pant, and feel again
18
the flush of anguish that I endured
Monkey got into trouble playing Rooster was sick and his golden
feathers faded to an unlucky, sickly
white? How far did he travel to bring back his lost friend, the Rabbit? I
will tell you: he was the first to take
action, and sometimes the only one
Of course, many tried to comfor t and
crisis through to resolution. He was
into sipping spring water, or nibbling
who had the determination to see the there for his friends, the community and of course, the Emperor.
Look at the images of him, and you will see what I mean. There, in the bushes,
console him. Others tried to cajole him s o m e o f h i s f a v o u r i t e g r a s s . To n o
avail. And so he languished, until his
eyes closed and his heart slowed to a stop.
smiling in the sunlight. There looking
What are we to understand from these
- purple, blue. A magnificent beast.
Phases also battle for favour and
up at us, all aglow in his lucky colours Unashamedly simple, but honest and industrious.
So here we are. My friend the Ox, relegated to second in a race he
should have won; the petulant, picky,
too-cheerful Rat with first place in the cycle. A privilege, an honour for all
time, gained in the most despicable of ways. So aggrieved was my friend, so
events about the universe? That the
dominance? That balance can become unbalanced? That yang is stronger
than yin? I do not have the answers. I am just a cat. And now I am out of
words, so I will leave you to consider the meaning of it all. The sunshine
b e c k o n s f o r m y a f t e r n o o n n a p . Pe r h a p s I will come to some conclusion before I fall asleep. If I do I will let you know.
tormented that he had been tricked, he could not converse with family or friend, nor eat what was put before him, nor return to his daily routine.
He simply lay down and stared blankly upward towards the sky, showing
neither comprehension nor reaction to anything or anyone around him.
19
三 3
T 20
I
虎 G
E
R
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T H E S I LV E R N E C K L A C E
Pe r h a p s I s h o u l d h a v e b e e n s u r p r i s e d ,
Please forgive me, but I can’t really
Dragon appeared at the door, but I
and the story of how I became a
or afraid, or confounded when the
wasn’t. I remember looking up from my work and thinking, oh, what a beautiful creature. Not, oh, am I
imagining things, or oh, a Dragon is staring at me, or oh, what do I do
now, but something quite different. I was calm, possibly because I was
completely mesmerised by its endless tail, squarish jaw, and iridescent
scales. I do not recall feeling even one moment of disbelief.
s i l v e r s m i t h i n t h e E m p e r o r ’s c o u r t , l i k e t h e D r a g o n ’s t a i l , i s l o n g a n d
circuitous. But I can tell you, with
modesty and pride, that I am an artist - a silversmith - of rare ability. My body may be frail, but my eyes can
still focus on the smallest point; my
hands know the secrets of formation; my grip is strong, and my fingers so
steady that the finest lines are etched without worry or pause.
Now I’m sure you’re doubting my
But now, may I refer you to the
look of apprehension on your face as
h a v e n ’ t r e a d i t , i t ’s t h e o n e a b o u t
reliability as a narrator. I can see the you read about my encounter. But let me assure you, while my story is only o n e p e r s o n ’s a t t e s t a t i o n , I c a n p r o v e that what I’m about to tell you is the truth. After all, this whole book is
based on events that have survived
the wrath of Nature and the ravages
of men for centuries. Why would you feel any differently about my story,
t h a n y o u w o u l d , s a y , V i o l e t ’s , o r t h e strange tale about the snake skin slippers?
22
start at the beginning. I’m too old,
D r a g o n ’s 6 t h d r e a m o n p . 3 1 . I f y o u the Tiger, not the Rat, winning the
E m p e r o r ’s r a c e . T h e p o i n t i s , i n t h e
dream, the Dragon gives the Tiger a prize for winning the race: a silver necklace. I know this may confuse
you, as it is a confluence of dreams and reality, but I am the silversmith that made that necklace. And there
is more jumble to come, because the story I want to tell you is not really a b o u t t h e D r a g o n , i t ’s a b o u t t h e
Tiger! And so much to relate: how it befriended Tianma, how it slept 40
nights with the sheep counter the
I never met the Tiger, of course; I
shall have to approach it, as there is
how it came to own the necklace when
images Alice gave me for reference.
through the door way. I’ll be right
summer of the butterfly swarm, and it didn’t win the race.
But first - I’d like to tell you about
the silver necklace, which, along with four finely cast silver goblets I made for the Emperor last year, is one of
my greatest achievements. I designed it myself: 12 shiny rounds linked
together, each bearing the form of
one of the animals in the race, each
created the drawing based on the
It was her idea to use the pattern of
t h e T i g e r ’s f u r , b u t w i t h o n l y w e e k s t o go before the race, I decided on the
Inches’ intense black eyes, or follow the curves in his muscular body to
know it is the Tiger, and understand the strength behind the face.
whole. The tiger medallion, in honour
not have to worry about whether it
the Dragon presumed would be the
winner), is larger than the others, and looks like this:
see what it wants.
i s s p l e n d i d . Yo u d o n o t n e e d t o s e e
Needless to say, the necklace is large,
of the winner (or more correctly, who
back to finish the story... I’ll just go
T i g e r ’s h e a d , a n d I t h i n k t h e r e s u l t
boldly cast in unambiguous lines that identify the creature in part or in
no way the creature can manage itself
a n d q u i t e h e a v y . T h a n k Fo r t u n e I d i d would weigh too much for the Tiger -
the big cats in our forests are known
for their strength as much as for their courage and intelligence (and yes,
sometimes their arrogance and short temper). All I had to figure out was
how an old man like me would lift the silver nugget onto my work bench.
One minute please...The Dragon is at my door again, sniffing the air, and I can’t tell whether in pleasure or
d i s t a s t e . ( Pe r h a p s h e s m e l l s t h e a r o m a of my dinner, pan roasted rabbit in
ginseng wine and garlic sauce...?) I
23
四 4
R 24
A
卯 B
B
I
T
25
THE HABBITS OF RABBITS
I just have a couple of minutes to
chat with you. The race is set for
tomorrow, and there is still so much to d o . T h i s i s w h a t ’s o n m y l i s t :
•
find my lucky pink bunny slippers.
I wanted to wear them to the Starting
Po i n t , b u t I h a v e n ’ t g o t a c l u e w h e r e I might have lef t them. They’re my
favourites, and they’ve been missing for several days. Fluffy candy floss stuff inside and out, with a button
nose and sof t floppy ears just like mine. I MUST get in the habbit of putting away my things.
• send a birthday greeting to dear
little Bea, the dog, who will be 7 years
old. I adore Bea - just as a friend, you understand, but still...she is - was? the sweetest, most joyous of all the
farm animals. I can’t tell you how much I miss her since she disappeared. But don’t get me star ted; I remember the whole thing like I remember where I
planted all my carrots. Thinking about it again just makes me miserable. I know she won’t get my message. I
know I’m doing it just because I do it every year, but I can’t help myself.
26
• speaking of carrots, I need to
recheck the supply of my greens before the weather changes. I’m quite concerned that I may have
underestimated how much I needed to
plant for the season, especially since I want to give some of it to Violet and the other pigs. They’ve had a really rough time with the swine flu.
• last but not least, I absolutely
MUST try to talk sense into Jessica. I MUST make the most beautiful
rabbit in the whole world understand
she is the love of my life. I know this
should be first on my list, but I’m torn between giving her some distance to calm down af ter our argument, and
pleading with her to give me another chance. Hesitant and stubborn -
t h a t ’s m e a l l o v e r . A n d w h e r e h a s i t
gotten me. I ask myself that question o v e r a n d o v e r . Yo u ’ d t h i n k i t w o u l d
be impossible to be both those two t h i n g s , b u t c l e a r l y i t ’s n o t .
Now, if there is one thing that drives m e C R A Z Y, i t ’s a l l t h e f a i r y t a l e s a n d
comic strip wannabes that HAUNT me everywhere I go. If I hear one more
chorus of “I’m late, I’m late, for a very
t h i s t o m y To D o l i s t : g e t r i d o f t h e
manners, which I won’t go in to. She
in a rabbit stew” line, I shall cut off
adventures. If Jessica is going to take
habbits and I like them. But what
important date...” or the dreadful “I’m one of my feet. Br’er rabbit etchings, B u g s B u n n y c a r t o o n s - a n d l e t ’s n o t forget all that showbiz razzmatazz
list of names from previous amorous
me seriously, this is nothing short of U R G E N T.
about being “pulled” out of a hat.
Yo u k n o w , I ’ v e b e e n t h i n k i n g ( a n o t h e r
equipped to argue that point with you,
ask your opinion about something?
I’d call it “yanked” - and I’m well
a s I a c t u a l l y H AV E b e e n p u l l e d o u t o f
a hat. One of my first jobs, when I was a youngster and didn’t know better,
and cer tainly the worst. Unforgivable n o n s e n s e . A c t u a l l y , i t ’s w o r s e t h a n
was nattering on to you. I AM pleased.
to join the group of
white rabbits who live on the other
side of the field, quite some distance from where I Iive now.
so this makes me hum with pride and
in my eyes has gone white. How I will
manage to get through the race I don’t know.
Usually, I’m a sensitive soul. I’m
likeable. I make friends everywhere I g o . C h i l d r e n a d o r e m e . Ye s I k n o w
I fall in and out of love easily. But I try not to hurt anyone. I just crave a f f e c t i o n - w h a t ’s w r o n g w i t h t h a t ?
Which reminds me, I had better add
just to her, living so far away?
I’ve been invited
have been quite depressed about this twitches uncontrollably, and the red
whenever I can. Could I commit myself
O h H U R R AY ! I j u s t f o u n d m y s l i p p e r s .
O n t h e o n e h a n d , i t ’s a n h o n o u r t o
mixed up world. I can’t sleep. My nose
about Jessica? Right now I see her
bad habbit, if not my worst). Can I
n o n s e n s e . I t ’s m e a n a n d h u r t f u l - i n
the full sense of the word! Lately, I
says I’m stubborn, but they are MY
be asked. I’m a very modest rabbit, I think I should consider it. On the other hand, I would have to start a
I was looking for them all the while I
They are SO comforting. I shall wear t h e m a l l d a y a n d a l l n i g h t , u n t i l i t ’s
time for me to leave for the race. One thing on the list DONE. Now, I have to mull over what to say to Jessica,
and decide about moving. Maybe they
are connected. I’ll have to think about that.
whole new life, and give up my habbits - and there are a lot of them.
Jessica says these are the worst:
shif ting from foot to foot while making up my mind about something; turning up my nose at broccoli and brussels sprouts - especially rude in the
company of others; splashing through puddles in the woods and getting her m u d d y . . . a n d t h e n t h e r e ’s m y t a b l e
27
五 5
D 28
R
龍 A
G
O
N
29
THE SOUND OF THE DRAGON
foundational text. And I don’t have a lot of space to elucidate.
So consider if you will my stupendous
tail. Comprehend the power and lethal force of my claws. And listen while I
permission to make this claim, it is a
matter of fact. Consider: what other mythological creature was invited to
j o i n t h e a n i m a l s i n t h e J a d e E m p e r o r ’s race? Name me a symbol more omnipresent, more revered in ancient or modern Chinese culture than I. I thought so: you cannot.
that designed him, and defiance of the battle that will deliver his demise.
Six numbered dreams I can recount
(three lucky, three hapless) and three missing without explanation. They are out of order, scattered across time,
connected by characters you have met elsewhere in this book, and scenes
Alice has painted that illustrate the Phases.
one features a colour of my own good
o r d i n a r y p e o p l e l i k e y o u . Ye s , t h e r e are clues revealed in the Wuxing,
but I suspect you aren’t interested
enough to undertake a study of that
30
makes in deference to the mysteries
centuries, fed by the imaginations, rulers, scholars, magicians and
mean.
know that roosters do not sit on
The first three dreams are labelled
inclinations and aspirations of
s i n i s t e r , a n d u n e a s y . Yo u ’ l l s e e w h a t I
breathtaking, fire-breathing dragon.
How this came to be - how I came to be - is a story that has grown over
purple and black. The settings are
I n t h e 1 s t d r e a m , m y f r i e n d Fo l l y i s
Yo u w i l l h e a r t h e s o u n d a d r a g o n
a magnificent beast. I do not need
unlucky (for me) colours - red, green,
recount the dreams that parallel my
transformation from mortal creature to
If I say so myself - and I do - I am
favourites), are told in ominous,
with my lucky numbers 1,6, and 7. Each Fo r t u n e : g o l d , s i l v e r a n d g r e y m a k e cameo appearances integral to the
sitting on a golden egg. Now we all e g g s , b u t w e a l s o k n o w t h a t Fo l l y
is a bit eccentric. The egg was the
size of a goose egg, but otherwise
perfect in contour and complexion, and glittering, as the expression
suggests. Most of us gathered in the yard to discuss what to do about
it, with the hens clucking emotional
outrage and Bea, the dog, chasing her tail in delight. After much debate, all w e c o u l d a g r e e u p o n w a s Fo l l y ’s l u c k , s o w e n i c k n a m e d h i m G o l d e n Fo l l y .
T h e r e ’s a p a i n t i n g o f G o l d e n Fo l l y o n page 65, if you’d like to have a look. H e w a s g i v e n t h e h o n o u r o f Ye a r o f
the Rooster, and so proud of that he was.
tale.
In dream number 3, daylight had
The last three dreams, bearing
liked the colour red; it scares me.
the numbers 3, 8, and 9 (not my
turned the purest colour red. I never I t m a k e s m e t h i n k o f J o r d i e ’s p l a c e :
a ratty den of deep black shadows
Have you heard of dragon boats?
and the Costa del Sol. I have come to
It always seemed full of shapes you
not see myself in any of the cartoon
goodbye. And that is all. The sunrise
encircled with glowing crimson light. couldn’t quite make out and were sure to trip over. Keith was nearby, half
hidden in hazy, forest green shadows.
Just like in the picture. He and Jordie were conspiring about some business deal. Seemed to me they were always exchanging secrets. Awful what
happened to Jordie, but I woke up
before the dream ended, and the story leaves you to wonder.
In the 6th dream, the Tiger, not the
R a t , w i n s t h e E m p e r o r ’s r a c e . E x t r a ordinarily different from the tale as
J o r d i e t e l l s i t . ( Yo u c a n r e a d J o r d i e ’s version of the race on page 15.) How could that be? Surely the universe
would have unfolded differently...? And I watch it happen. I note the
(A fitting compliment, although I do
monster faces attached to the prows.) In this dream (number 7, for those
of you not paying attention) I watch
(Clearly I had “race” on my mind!)
shadows. Black is the colour of
The bridges are alive with everyone
shouting and waving on their favourite team. All the boats are painted with crude and silly depictions of my
s c a l e s . Fa c s i m i l e h e a d s t o s s b a c k a n d forth, threatening to come loose or
come off. All except one. One dragon head sits firmly on the prow, looks
steadfastly for ward and moves with the grace of flight. I watch as the
boat passes: it is my new face, and I know my boat will win.
and the air of certainty as he crosses
reminds me of the impermanence of
o t h e r o u t c o m e . Yo u c a n s e e i t i n h i s portrait. The attitude of knowing.
But there - I’m in the dream too! I’m the one that gives the Tiger a silver necklace as the prize.
King, and I know I am doomed.
B l a c k i s f o r o u t l i n e . Fo r a l l c o l o u r s ,
d a y i n Ve n i c e f o r a d r a g o n b o a t r a c e .
It is the eighth day of a purple sky.
it, as if he never expected any
or sunset (?) holds my gaze. I am the
as excited crowds gather on a grey
e l e g a n c e o f t h e T i g e r ’s b o d y a s h e stretches to reach the finish line,
join the cloudless morning in a last
But skies change, so the 8th dream
Kings and Emperors. I am standing at
the steps of my mountaintop lodging, wearing my armour and bearing my
s h i e l d w i t h i t s d r a g o n e m b l e m . To t h e
a n d n o c o l o u r . Fo r e m p h a s i s a n d
soldiers, and poets, and jesters who cannot see. It defines and it denies, and it is the signature of the 9th
dream. It will not be my final dream,
but it will be the last I share with you.
This dream is full of faces that scream the rage and wretchedness of my
friend the Monkey. I count 17 faces,
but I do not know any of their names.
So. Make what you will of the dreams. The time for pleasantries is over.
My skin has shed, and my new body is revealed. Unchanged in colour, I
am defined by a strong jaw, delicate ears, and a long, serpentine body. I
cannot see all of it, but I think myself awe inspiring. And now I must join the others in a race. Wish me luck.
southeast, beyond the hills layered with hope and forgiving, is the sea,
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32
六 6
S
蛇
N
A
K
E 33
THE SLIPPERS OF BAI SUZHEN
I know you can hear me, although my
all the courage a young boy can bear,
moon you cannot see. I was born in the
sheen. Ask me: were they gold? Silver?
voice is a shadow, like the side of the
north, on the 5th day of the 5th month, a date that marked the first day of
summer, but rained with snowflakes
I cannot tell you. I simply knew they held the answer to her mystery.
from which there was no escape. My
But this tale is not about my mother, it
only the powers of enchantment can
endless rivers, and cloud covered
story begins and ends with magic, for explain why you listen as I speak, but
cannot see my face, or hands, or delicate body.
I am the son of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen,
is my story; a tale of shivering silence, nights. It began with a touch of the snakeskin slippers, a moment when
t h e w a r m t h o f Fo r t u n e c u r d l e d l i k e o l d milk, and changed my life forever.
the White Snake demon, whose marriage
Oh, I remember the quiet of the day;
parents lived simply and honourably,
humming butterflies, and red poppies
was a union of love and distinction. My devoted to curing the sick and helping the desperate. But my mother, beauti-
ful and generous as we believed her to be, had a secret.
Every morning, she would come to my room and awaken me with sweet tea
and ginger fruit. Her robes were the softest silk, and I would gather her
sleeve in my hand, and as the fabric melted between my fingers, I would
breathe in the scent of tea, and know a c h i l d ’s h a p p i n e s s . O n h e r f e e t w e r e slippers made of snakeskin, and I re-
call that as she walked, I wanted, with
34
to catch a glimpse of their heavenly
a n o r d i n a r y d a y , w i t h s u m m e r ’s
reaching for the sun. I was ten years old, and full of desire to see, taste, touch the world beyond my room, beyond the garden, beyond the
borders of my experience. My father and mother were in the next village, visiting one of the elders who was
dying. I was always told the stories
of their days; about the people they
ser ved and cared for, but I was never allowed to travel with them. And so I
was without any playmate, or sentinel, unable to push away the sudden
realisation that I could explore my
m o t h e r ’s r o b e s i n s e a r c h o f a c l o s e r
look – and perhaps lay a hand on – her wonderful snakeskin slippers.
I knew the way. I had been down the hall that led to the wardrobe many
times; my parents did not forbid me to
visit any rooms in the house. But I was not allowed to open the closet that
held their clothes, just as I was not permitted to open the drawers that held the herbs and potions used in their craft.
And so I walked, following the line of
cold terra cotta tiles that made a path from my room to the kitchen, past the table where we ate, past the cellar
where we stored our rice and dried
fish, past the terrace adorned with
scented lilies and hanging baskets of fuchsia. There I stopped, pausing to still my pulse.
It stood just ahead, tall, deep and
There was no spring to the clasp, it
or drink from the rivers. I was touched
opposite door. When I calmly slid it
moment, my human form forsaken. I do
was held in place by a ring on the
out of the fitting, there was no movement but a soft whisper of air coming
from within. And so, without wisdom or fear, I embraced the moment that had unfolded before me, and I pulled the
to – I had never dared.
closing.
glorious than any springtime valley
could promise. I could smell the rose oil my mother wore, and traces of s m o k e f r o m m y f a t h e r ’s p i p e . B u t
nothing prepared me for the radiance
of the slippers, which smouldered like moonlight on still lake water, on the clearest, finest, most perfect night. I thought: the light glows… will my
fingers burn? Or is it ice that hangs in a mist? I do not know.
to touch the halo, the skin of the
mysteries inside. I had never wanted
the wind that keeps her eyes from
opened them I would see hues more
leaves and birds and dragonflies on its ple latch that separated me from the
am the fire that flows from her breath,
My eyes were shut, but I knew when I
I stood there watching – I have no
doors. But I had never opened the sim-
not understand her secret, but I know I
doors open.
black. A thousand times I had traced w i t h a c h i l d ’s d e l i g h t t h e c a r v i n g s o f
b y m y m o t h e r ’s m a g i c , a n d i n t h a t
measure of how long – and reached out slippers, and my destiny.
S o h e r e I a m . Yo u c a n h e a r m e , b u t I a m not beside you. I do not live in a place you can name, or eat from the forest
35
36
37
七 7
H 38
马
O
R
S
E
39
T H E M A N D AT E O F H E AV E N
15th day of the plum month in the f i r s t y e a r o f t h e r e i g n o f t h e Ta i z o n g Emperor
thoughts or ambitions. Never. Never. I can say the words are true - did I
To d a y i s t h e d a y , a n d I a m s t i r r e d b y
n o t v i s i t t h e E m p e r o r ’s s t a b l e s t o s e e
constant in my demeanor, but here
not stand before the piebald one they
thoughts. I have ser ved the Emperor
for the arrows he received in battle?
poems to celebrate the seasons, and
flesh, did I not recoil from the sight?
t h e y u n f o l d e d . M y t a s k ? To w r i t e a
but I must present it this evening, and
there are no creatures he loves as
do no better than I have done.
as closely. Six horses, famous for
He breathes the sound of a shiver
a mix of emotions. I know I must be
the animals with my own eyes? Did I
in my diary I will explain my private
call Qingzhui, and commend him softly
- and his father before him - writing
A n d a s I l o o k e d a t t h e b e a s t ’s t o r n
applaud the occasions of honour as
No, this is not the poem I intended,
t r i b u t e t o t h e G r e a t O n e ’s s t e e d s ;
read it with cer tainty and calm. I can
dearly, esteems so highly, or guards their beauty, and boldness in battle. My brush did not falter, yet I
digressed, as if a silent spirit guided my hand, ignoring my thoughts. One
stroke at a time, first a word and then
and the wind withdraws its design. A hoof stamps in the damp shadows where they stand and rest, a n d t h e E m p e r o r ’s k i n g d o m a w a k e n s to wonder why the earth trembles. Blinded with bridle, always-open eyes
a phrase, the text was set down,
showed no fear in battle, and now
see. I’ve read the poem a hundred
is hurt, and the rider hurries to wash away
dictated by some spirit I could not
betray no pain in suffering. But there
times, and I am cold with the
the blood and cover the wounds.
cer tainty that the verses will anger the Emperor, for he does not like
40
ambiguity, and we do not question his
The Emperor bans death, whether horses or babies, and we share the duty to
k e e p i t a t b a y. L i k e a l l h i s b e a s t s , w e r u n or bring or pray or speak when ordered. And at night, in the quiet of rule, we work to serve up magic so the flowers smell sweet and the fields stay rich. The battle was won but the day was squandered; too many left on the wet fields to rot, too many drowned by an unclear
provoke me; when selfish princes
abroad eye the har vests of my farms, and the treasures of my seas.
believed to be divine - and it cannot be other wise. I follow the laws of my
v i r t u o u s f a t h e r , a n d r u l e f o r w h a t ’s
best for my people and the land. So
Spring will come and the horses will parade
who paints a battle he cannot fathom?
s h i n i n g w i t h s i l v e r. W e w i l l c h e e r t h e m o n and bow as they pass. Songs of honour will be taught to our children, but chants will be sung in the temples, of doom.
* * * 16th day of the plum month in the f i r s t y e a r o f t h e r e i g n o f t h e Ta i z o n g Emperor I record here - for my own peace of
mind - that my decision is not without
emotion. I would like to say, I seek no vengeance when I am wronged, nor
forgiveness when it is not deser ved. I
would like to say, I lead my armies into
war only when I must: when my enemies
can do no better than I have done.
But none of this is true. I am Emperor,
purpose, too many lost to a virtue wronged.
again, festooned with magnolias and
and read it with cer tainty and calm. I
what will I do with this faithless “poet” Who comes to cour t and dares to judge? What wise teacher would have chosen
differently? What priest would advise other wise? I hur t for the horses who
ran with rage as I demanded, but here in my garden I cannot weep for the
s e r va n t w h o t e l l s m e I a m w ro n g . Wa s I
not there with my armies to sample the s m e l l o f d e a t h ? Wa s I n o t w re t c h e d a s I roared commands to slaughter and
fell? Did I not fall from my saddle when Qingzhui was shot, and stumbled? I close my eyes and feel the ear th
tremble. I know the sentence I must
pass, and write it with a steady hand.
I will present my decision this evening,
41
八 8
S 42
H
羊 E
E
P
43
THE REVERIE OF THE SHEEP COUNTER
y e a r. A t t h a t t i m e , t h e b l o s s o m s had opened, and the valley was intoxicated with the scent of new blooms. I shall note the count as t h i s : ⼆ 百 ⼗⼆ There is no artful way to undertake
one, and I do not err through either
repetition or omission. My number is exact, and certain.
Count: 294. I remember this number b e c a u s e i t i s m y m o t h e r ’s b i r t h d a y .
Fo r t u n e c o n s p i r e d a t m y b i r t h t o m a k e
the task, and there is no point trying
Sometimes there is no meaning to
life of a shepherd, ruled by the
complicated, in the hope of appearing
m e a n i n g s o t h e d a y i s m a r k e d . To d a y ,
me the son of a shepherd. And the
to deceive, or make the explanation
a d a y ’s c o u n t ; s o m e t i m e s I g i v e i t
calculations of the planets, is the
more masterful than what I am.
I shall note the count as this:
to count my life in moons: 396 just
Pe r h a p s t h e o t h e r s h e e p c o u n t e r s
only life I have known. I indulge myself passed.
take short cuts with their accounts,
I know how the river courses through
simply conjure up a number that
to guide the flock to drink. I can make
year - that would, no doubt, feed
birth, and the balm that heals a
grander description of his wealth. But
or seek mystical concoctions, or
the mountains, and the quickest way
swells season by season, year after
the sound that calms a ewe giving
a n y m a s t e r ’s i n s a t i a b l e a p p e t i t e f o r a
broken hoof. I am able to stir myself
no, that is not what I do.
resting hours to awaken through the
The only way is the old way: I count
scape my father shepherded with the
for ward, one following the other, and
youth, and the affirmation of a man
or caring or attention to anything
before the sun rises, and pace my
night. I have crisscrossed the land-
as they move in no order other than
glee of a child, the exuberance of a
the next after that, without knowledge
accepting that what is, will always be.
other than this way or that, towards
Count: 212. This is close to the starting number of early Spring last
44
I can, and count I do. I know each
or away. If they are close enough,
some blink an empty glance as they
pass, and the number changes. Count
⼆百九⼗四
What is the purpose of contemplating the silent, unquestionable contracts that govern who and what and where
and when. That is not a question that follows me through the day and leans
up against me when I pause my work to rest or eat. The duty to ask why - or dare to ask why not - was shed with
my youth, left behind, like the skin of a beautiful snake.
C o u n t : 8 5 4 . S u c h a b i g n u m b e r. B u t that is because the sheep from the eastern valley have joined our flock. Strange creatures with black patches that hide their eyes, some entirely black, many the colour of sand that darkens as it descends the legs. But they are no different in temperament,
stamina, or fortitude, and I do not
keep them all suckling, and moving
distinguish in the care I allot. And
steadily with the ewes, but there is
on this day I shall note the count as
no other joy that travels to my heart
this: 八百五十四
i n s u c h a w a y. I n h o n o u r o f t h e n e w ones, I will set the count today as
The things that give me pleasure: I
have stood atop a hill and felt small
this: 一千一百二十一
b u t g l o r i o u s i n t h e s u n ’s w a r m t h . I
The heat of the af ternoon refused
itself into white froth crests, and then
clammy skin. Sitting in the meagre
there are mysteries I have understood
eyes and tried to repaint the scene
have witnessed an agitated sea beat
to give up its suffocating grip on my
c o n s u m e t h e m i n a n g e r . Ye s , I c a n s a y
shadows of a dying bush, I closed my
and moments that I liken to the magic
from memory.
of a wish come true.
In the background, running across
But there also are shadows that I
the top edge of my mental canvas,
hungers I cannot aver t with patience.
lowlands from the coast. I was far too
have no language; nameless, quiet,
ascending paths or the jumble of
that taste like an unripe seed. I can
nothing except the outlined shapes
them. So they linger in my mouth and
Everything else came and went, in and
and unwilling to dissolve into
blue sky, creating the appearance of a
cannot fill with expectation, and
were the hills that separated the
There are things I want for which I
far away to see the puzzle of their
creeping bits of dissatisfaction
boulders hanging on to gorge cliffs;
neither spit them out, nor swallow
that created the horizon were evident.
on my mind, both seeking definition
out of focus, the haze dimming the
unimportance.
cheap, gauzy stage backdrop.
Count: 1121. The birthing season has b e e n g o o d t h i s y e a r. T h e r e a r e m a n y new little ones. It is hard work to
I f I l o w e r e d m y m i n d ’s e y e , b r i n g i n g my gaze closer, I could see that
t h e l a n d w a s f e r t i l e . Te l l t a l e t r e e s ,
boughs bursting in spotted layers of green, stood with brazen assurance
against the heavens, the wind, and the s t o r m s of next winter, still months away. But i t w a s n’t t h e t re e s t h a t h e l d m y attention.
From lef t to right, no matter where I
concentrated my effort to reconstruct the picture, I saw clouds of stirring.
Shapes nudging up against each other on one side, or both sides. Like a beast caught in a pit beneath the
ear th, the slow, ever-shif ting shape s i l e n t l y c h u r n e d . M y m i n d ’s e y e
looked at the scene, and I took a deep breath, the scent of reality waking me from my mental artistry, forcing me to replace memory with the consequences of sleep.
When I opened my eyes, the day was
brightly lit with morning, the distant
hills were still blurred, and I was still a sheep counter.
Count: 1200. I have slept through the night, and arrived at a number I cannot explain. I do not understand, but I shall record the count as this: ⼀千⼆百
45
九 9
M 46
O
猴 N
K
E
Y
47
48
1 7 N A M E S , 1 7 FA C E S This is a story whose ending does not conclude with the last of the pictures. It flows with the cycles, covering the heavens with a discomforting glaze of moisture, weaving between the shoots of what might become a pinecone, or the bud of a hibiscus, if the earth is fertile and generous.
Yo u c a n c h o o s e t h e p a t h o f the telling; you do not need to follow the direction I have set out, or what the page encourages.
49
A face not so unlike your own. Eyes that are clear but not insightful. Skin lined with the events of simply being.
50
51
T h e r e a r e s i x s i d e s t o a d a y, a n d n o number of days. There are no rules but there are edges and areas of loneliness, if you can call it that. “Who will know?” the fingers seem t o g e s t u r e . “ W h o c a n s a y, ” y o u r i n n e r voice answers back.
52
53
Perhaps begin with the golden ones, whose abstract eyes are flat or h o l l o w . O r, i f y o u h a v e f a i t h , d a r e t o l i n g e r i n t h e a b s e n c e o f c o l o u r. The garish madness may not appeal - it does only for a few - but once encountered it must be endured.
54
55
Next you must choose between light and dark. Go to the light and you are momentarily safe; an onlooker on the other side, peering in. Examine in your space their space which does not alter with the day or s e a s o n o r t h e i r L e a d e r ’s w h i m . Go to the dark, and you face the masks. They are black, deep, moving.
56
Without the light there is no glass. And we ask ourselves: what desires are lined up to be fed by hands we can only imagine? No two are the same, do you see? But they all share the same beginning. 17 different names and faces, the mood of each determined by tone; tones arranged by neighbouring tones, as much as by me.
57
58
Read me a soldier Who dares to explain T h e p r i s o n o f Fo r t u n e A jumble of pain
If a day is my captor I want only grace I am here, you are staring My eyes and my face
The telltales are sagging The clown is undone No shape-shifter magic No garden begun
I am here, you are laughing I am there, swing the stars To t h e c o r n e r s o f m a y h e m And outside these bars
Seventeen faces, seventeen names I pretend you pretend me In these jungle gym games...
59
60
十 1 0
鸡
R O O S T E R 61
THE BEQUEST OF GRACE VARBLES
society. I did not marry, foolishly, and
- European Jesuits, serving in the
h i g h s c h o o l a n d t ra i n e d a s a b o o k-
designed the Hall and the water
until I retired over twenty years ago.
- The twelve bronze zodiac
therefore I have no children. I finished
c o u r t o f t h e Q i a n l o n g E m p e r o r,
keeper, which is how I made my living
f o u n t a i n i n t h e 1 7 0 0 ’s .
Any attention that my name may
animal heads atop stone bodies
garner in future will be because of
only one thing: I am in possession of
the rooster head that once decorated the royal fountain at the Haiyantang, t h e H a l l o f N a t i o n a l Pe a c e , n e a r To W h o m I t M a y C o n c e r n : M y n a m e i s G r a c e Va r b l e s . I w a s b o r n in Whitchurch, a dot-on-the-map
town in Hampshire, England, on 21
November, 1926. That makes me roughl y 8 9 y e a rs a n d 8 m o n t h s o l d . I ’ m a s king my friend Marion to help me with this letter, so that before I die, I’ve
set out my wish for disposing of something in my keeping that I know has
g r e a t w o r t h . Yo u ’ l l s e e M a r i o n ’s s i g n a ture next to mine, at the bottom, and I hope that makes this letter legal. The story of my life is not of any significance to anyone. I was not
famous or wealthy, or important for
any particular contribution I made to
62
Beijing.
Whitchurch is approximately 7039 miles from Beijing - I know this because
originally functioned as a water clock-fountain. - I n 1 8 6 0 , Yu a n m i n g y u a n , w h e r e t h e fountain stood, was ransacked by French and British troops, and the heads were looted. A British soldier by the name of Richard Harrison witnessed the event. - Seven heads survive: the rat and rabbit, owned by some private
I asked Marion to find out for me.
collector somewhere in the West;
not sure I would have gone all that
pig, in private Chinese collections.
is a different matter. I do know a few
c o p p e r- b a s e d m e t a l s o i t w o u l d n ’t
I have never been to China, and I’m
a n d t h e o x , t i g e r, h o r s e , m o n k e y a n d
way if I had had a reason. But that
- Each animal head was made of a
things about the rooster head, mostly
corrode.
because Marion went to the trouble
of going to the library in Basingstoke
Of course, I could have told you what
b o o k s o n a n i m a l s ; s h e ’s v e r y s m a r t
i n a b o o k . A n d t h e r e ’s m u c h m o r e
formation about the Chinese zodiac, the
here, but I’ll leave that for you to
rooster, which I have copied out for
as I can tell, the rooster is still
and putting in a special order for
it was made of, I didn’t need to read it
that way. She overloaded me with in-
information than what I have included
rooster sign, and a few facts about my
follow up if you are so inclined. As far
you:
c o n s i d e r e d “ m i s s i n g ” . O n l y i t ’s n o t . I t is in my shed, where it has been,
forever. It looks like it weighs a ton -
and a feather duster. (The irony of
final decision. I am aware that a fa-
takes up a fair bit of space.
made me smile to myself…). I knew
Weiwei has sculpted all the zodiac
I have never been able to lift it - and
I was born in this house, and I have
lived here all my life. I guess I should
have asked my parents, but never did, about where the rooster came from.
Or even what it was. I was simply never curious about it. About anything
using feathers to dust the rooster
what it was, of course, I had seen it several times as a child. But I had
never examined it. I had not looked into the folds of the bruised eyes,
or run my hand along the curved but broken beak.
really. So time passed, and it was just
To m y e y e s , t h e r o o s t e r i s o r d i n a r y ;
things waiting to be sorted by my
that can be forgiven - it is, af ter all,
always there, wrapped up, with other mother, piled on top.
M y f a t h e r d i e d f i rs t , w h e n I w a s t h i r t y - f i v e . The story about how that happened
is not for here, and neither do I want to remember how my mother suffered
before she died, when I was forty. But that is how I acquired the house I still
live in, and the shed, which is home to the rooster.
After my mother passed away - quite some time after, actually, as I could
not face the task for many months - I
I c a n n o t e v e n s a y i t ’s i m p r e s s i v e . B u t many hundreds of years old, and the hands of looters conspired with the
Hands of Time so it has not aged well. If it once inspired admiration from an E m p e r o r , i t w o u l d n o t d o s o n o w . Ye t
fountain; a few years ago I saw a
picture of them displayed in an out-
d o o r p l a z a i n M a n h a t t a n , N e w Yo r k . H e calls his work a “reinterpretation” of
the animals. I think they are beautiful - the rooster is perfect: confident,
honest looking - just like the rooster personality described in the books.
So I wish to bequeath my rooster to Mr. Ai Weiwei. How he will get it, or w h e n , I h a v e n o i d e a , b u t t h a t ’s h i s
problem. I leave it to you to please let him know.
S i g n e d : G r a c e Va r b l e s
believe it was fashioned for an
Dated:
belong in a shed in Overton, waiting
Signed:
Marion Alma
antique dealer in Hungerford, 20 miles
Dated:
20 July, 2015
has a strange sort of air. Easy to
Emperor; but you know it does not
for an auctioneer to sell it to a local
2 0 , J u l y, 2 0 1 5
away.
So here is my instruction, upon my
armed with scissors to cut away the
p o s a l . Yo u m a y t h i n k i t o d d , o r s i l l y ,
sheets that covered it like a shroud,
animals that decorated the water
even in its pockmarked condition it
decided to take a close look at the rooster, and went out to the shed
mous Chinese artist by the name of Ai
d e a t h , f o r t h e p o o r c r e a t u r e ’s d i s -
or the wrong thing to do, but it is my
63
64
65
66
十一 1 1
D
狗 O
G 67
THE CONFLAB
shor t tempered, as usual, wanted to
little knowledge goes a long way. And
a b o u t i t . Wa s n’t i t p o s s i b l e , h e
down to a little daydreaming - about
know why anything had to be done
suggested, that we could all just live with whatever outcome transpired? Delicious. My favourite state of being. Of course I have always known when
something was “delicious”, but I have only just learned the word for that incredible sensation when all your
senses hum with exquisite delight. A
meal of fresh fish, a loving look from my master, a jaunty few minutes of
r o u g h p l a y n i p p i n g m y s i s t e r ’s e a r , trying to catch a butterfly, or a
scratch behind my ears from the child... all these create that intoxicating feeling that I call “delicious”.
And delicious it was to find myself in
the sunshine on the grassy spot in the
yard, when the Dragon, the Rabbit, the Sheep, and the Tiger gathered for a conflab.
The way the Dragon tells the story, the purpose of the gathering was
to discuss the golden egg that had
appeared out of nowhere. The Tiger,
68
so this was the scene when I settled my nemesis, Bea, the dog.
Surely the golden egg was not really
Now you might remember that I wrote
shy, timid and very conser vative,
Ox, and I stand behind every word I
going to hatch...? The Rabbit, usually agreed.
Being a cat, I was always excluded
from these gatherings, so although everyone thought me clever, I knew
my opinion wasn’t going to be sought. I was not offended, though, I simply pretended that something else had
caught my attention. The Sheep looked completely blank, but usually had
nothing to say anyway, so no one was
expecting her to speak. Bossy, one of the elders in the coop, had poked his
head around the fence to make sure his presence was known.
Generally in these situations, which occurred fairly regularly, I played one of my favourite games, “Dis-
interested”, yawning, curling up and
generally looking sleepy. Between you and me, I use these occasions to sniff out what really is going on; I know a
a commendation for my friend the
wrote. When loyalty is called for and
feelings are at stake, I am the first in line. But a dog is a different matter entirely. I cannot for the life of me
understand what they are about. They display neither common sense nor the seriousness one would look for in a
friend or mate. They are stubborn and emotional. And they adore frivolity
- not only are they happy to waste a whole day playing, they’re happy to
play the same game over and over and over. Ridiculous! That would bore me to tears.
I’m a little stuck on this subject,
because Bea has been nothing but a
pest. When I find a warm place to lie
down for a nap, she comes and sniffs
at my nose. When I saunter over to the barn for a drink of water, she runs
ahead and waits at my bowl. If I stretch my legs on the side of the willow
tree, she runs circles around the tree
But then, in a rare moment of what can
Now, I am usually pretty easy going,
And if I climb the tree, she sits there
sation, our expressions changed. The
Po s s i b l y I s h o u l d h a v e f e l t r e l i e f , g l e e ,
yelping, in a very unattractive tone.
looking up at me and barks as if I were the postman. I suppose if you like
dogs, you could call her attractive.
Her chocolate coloured fur frames her face very nicely, and I do approve of
her long bushy tail... But the constant, annoying over tures for play! Af ter
three lives of this with Bea, I am at the end of my patience.
I decided to raise the issue with the others, and ambled over to join the
conflab. They had not found a resolution to the golden egg situation, but
were listening to the Rabbit expound
on his latest romantic adventures. As soon as I could politely intervene, I listed my complaints, providing
examples to illustrate my points. Everyone was quite sympathetic,
actually. When I reached the end of
my authoritative sounding discourse, there was silence. We just looked at
one another, the Dragon wide eyed,
the Rabbit blinking, the Sheep looking sheepish (as they do), and the Tiger appearing bored.
only be described as collective reali-
D r a g o n ’s b a c k a r c h e d a n d h e r a i s e d h i s head; the Rabbit (drooping ears and
all) looked horrified; the Sheep turned this way and that on the spot, and the T i g e r ’s e a r s t w i t c h e d a s t h o u g h
electrified. We all uttered the same question out loud: where was Bea, anyway?
Not one of us could remember exactly
but I have to say, this was disturbing.
even, that my tormentor was gone. But I was not happy. Bea had been a part of our little community since she was
born. And now she was gone. I tried to offer some possible reasons for her disappearance, but in the end, only
one seemed plausible: Bea had been
adopted by another family, and there was nothing we could do about it.
w h e n t h e y h a d l a s t s e e n h e r . Wa s i t
The summer lingered a little longer
being milked? No, the Rabbit was sure
Tiger and Dragon gathered as usual
yesterday morning when the cows were B e a h a d n o t b e e n a ro u n d . Wa s i t l a s t evening when the child came out to
check the gate was closed? No, the Sheep was certain she alone had witnessed that.
As the only one allowed in the house, I took it upon myself to carry out a
search. No, no Bea in the barn. Nor in the kitchen. I noticed her water bowl
this year, but the Rabbit, Sheep, well into the cooler season. Life
carried on. But somehow, without the barking and the chasing and all the annoyances... without the playful
affection that drove me to distraction but which I have come to anticipate... well, all right, have come to count on, everything is just a little less “delicious”.
was not there, and her basket by the
hear th was missing. Even more troubling, her favourite ball was gone. In
fact, there was no trace of Bea any-
where, I repor ted back to the others.
69
70
71
72
十二 1 2
P
家 I
G 73
THIS LITTLE PIGGY
“Butterball”), blessed with a perfect
fat). But it was the combination of
bloodline I mentioned, a purple ear. I
come to know as talents, that really
complexion, and thanks to that
g u e s s t h a t ’s w h y I w a s n a m e d V i o l e t . ( I know another Violet, a Lily, a Daisy, a
I had a temper, which everyone I knew
to me it shows a remarkable lack of
Fo r y e a r s a n d y e a r s , I c o n s c i e n t i o u s l y
imagination). But Violet I am. stock goes back to the Middle Ages. We know (but he didn’t) that images
of pigs have been found on Neolithic
pottery in Zhejiang, China, so clearly his tracing our lineage back to the European origins of the family is recent history. It never occurred
to me to question why he bothered. I supposed, in his last years, he
yearned for what we all long for -
me included - an understanding of
o n e ’s p l a c e i n t i m e , a n d t h e d a r e - I -
t h i n k- i t p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t y o u m i g h t b e remembered af ter you are gone. But I digress... This is a picture of me when I was a
lot younger. Still plump with baby fat (my father affectionately called me
74
set me apart.
Pa n s y , a n d t w o R o s e s . I t ’s b e y o n d m e
why offspring are named af ter flowers;
According to my father, our paternal
character traits as well as what I would
From Day 1, my beautiful violet ear played an impor tant role in the
development of my identity. My
mother had a favourite story of giving bir th to a violet-eared female, but
being brought a nondescript brown
eared piglet to suckle. She caused a
ruckus, and all was worked out, but I have always wondered - what if I had ended up with a different family...?
I might have grown up in Svinbergen, Scandinavia, rather than Swindon, England (the latter not exactly a
said was related to my purple ear.
endeavoured to assess whether there was any substance to this proclam-
ation, but I cannot say I have seen any evidence of it in my own behaviour.
But there were other things too. I was stubborn. (The other piglets called
me “pig headed”, which always hurt my feelings.) And I was a day-dreamer,
always wanting to be somewhere else, to see new and wondrous things,
curious to know what life was like in other places. I had a predisposition for intellectual musings, I wrote poetry, and I could sing.
place you boast about coming from!)
Most of the other pigs pretended
A violet ear was just one physical
but this little piggy knew - and so
manifestation of being different. Of
course I was self conscious about my
weight (“porker” was a frequent taunt I endured, to which my mother always replied that I was “big boned”, not
they knew something about something, did they, really - that most of it was bluster and pretence. I knew I could s i n g . I m e a n , I c o u l d R E A L LY s i n g . I
could tap any rhythm on command with absolute accuracy. I could harmonise
to any melody. I could close my eyes,
Indeed, this little piggy went places
But even though the timbre of my voice
tone-true melody.
about, if they dreamed at all. I put on
lost its lustre. Nowadays, my eyes feel
see the notes clearly, and breathe a
No one else was par ty to my secret,
except perhaps my father, who once said to me, “I always can tell when
you’re happy, because you sing to y o u r s e l f . ” Yo u p r o b a b l y a r e t r y i n g
not to laugh at the idea of me singing
(especially if you’ve heard me lately), but if you suspend disbelief for a
moment, you might be able to concede
other little piggies only dreamed
my dancing shoes, tied a ribbon behind my purple ear, and quietly edged my way onto the stage. I wasn’t greedy
about the quest for fame, I was hungry for acknowledgement of my talents. (Note to self: does that mean I am
not a “hog” but a “porker”??? Ha ha.
So clever with words am I. And what a sense of humour.)
that in my younger years, I could have
Within a few years, I was rewarded.
pigs have been held in high regard by
n o t a b l e p e r f o r m a n c e o f Tw i n k l e To e s .
been a star. And may I remind you that many cultures down through the ages; we are not revered for nothing.
But I’ve gone off on another tangent... It was many years before I realised
that standing out from the crowd was
actually a good thing, and understood that being different was who I am, and who I was meant to be. Now, older,
and able to look back at my life as
if it were a self-scribed epic poem, I
can see that it wasn’t about singing or dancing at all, it was about choosing
to sing and dance, just because I could.
has grown richer, my purple ear has heavy before the af ternoon is over.
Sometimes I forget the words to songs. My joints ache at any hint of rain, and even on a warm summer day I cannot count on a pain-free ramble around
the yard. My friend Charlotte says I
have to be philosophical about it, but I find it all difficult to take in my stride. (Apologies, dear reader, I can’t resist
inserting another pun into the story...)
First there was a blue ribbon for my
Ye s t e r d a y I g o t w i n d o f p l a n s t o
Then, a rancher in the next county
of the country. A place where the air
offered to pay for me to breed his
prize swine Golden Boy. In the end,
t h a t d i d n ’ t h a p p e n ( t h a n k Fo r t u n e ) , but making the list was added to my
transfer us all to a more rural par t
i s f r e s h e r , t h e y s a y . To d a y t h e r e w a s
news of a new swine flu coming out of China. The world has changed.
pedigree, so I can’t complain. What followed was a string of small but
meaningful shout-outs; a feature here, a l i t t l e p r o m o t h e r e . Pe o p l e k n e w m y
name (how could you forget “Violet”?), and applauded when I showed up at fairs. In a highly competitive world
where ungenerous, unlikeable wheelerdealers determined your value and
called the shots, I tried to be satisfied.
75
76
77
十w 二
e l v e
A T T R I B U T E S
78
O F
S H
H E N G X I A O
C R E A T U R E S
79
鼠
R AT
Order
One
Tw o
Three
Lucky
gold, green, blue, 2,3
red, blue, purple, 1,9
g r a y, b l u e , w h i t e , o r a n g e , 1 , 3 , 4
Unlucky
y e l l o w, b ro w n , 5 , 9
white, green, 3,4
g o l d , s i l v e r, b r o w n , b l a c k , 6 , 7 , 8
Element
water
earth
wood
yang
yin
yang
adaptable, smart, cautious,
honest, persistent, patient,
tolerant, loyal, valiant
Force Strengths
cheerful, acute, alert, positive, flexible, outgoing We a k n e s s e s
B i r t h Ye a r
timid, unstable, stubborn,
1936 1984
1948 1996
1960 2008
cautious, level-headed,
courageous, virtuous,
strong-willed
inattentive, querulous
80
虎 T IGER
牛 O X
t r u s t w o r t h y, i n t e l l i g e n t
obstinate, inarticulate,
obstinate, arrogant, short-
prudish, distant
t e m p e r e d , h a s t y, t r a i t o r o u s
1972
1937
1949
1961
1973
2020
1985
1997
2009
2021
1938
1950
1962
1974
1986
1998
2010
2022
8
龍 DRAG ON
兔 RA BBIT
蛇 S NA K E
Six
Four
Five
red, blue, pink, purple, 3,4,9
g o l d , s i l v e r, g r a y, 1 , 6 , 7
b ro w n , d a r k y e l l o w, w h i t e , 1 , 7 , 8
red, green, purple, black, 9,8,3
wood
earth
yin
yang
gentle, sensitive,
decisive, inspiring,
compassionate, amiable,
magnanimous, sensitive,
modest, merciful
ambitious, romantic
amorous, hesitant, stubborn,
eccentric, tactless,
timid, conservative
f i e r y, i n t o l e r a n t , u n r e a l i s t i c
re d , l i g h t y e l l o w, b l a c k ,
2,8,9
white, gold, brown, 1,6,7 fire yin
1939
1951
1963
1975
1940
1952
1964
1987
1999
2011
2023
1988
2000
2012
soft-spoken, humourous, sympathetic, determined, passionate, smart jealous, suspicious,
1976 2024
s l y, f i c k l e , n o n c h a l a n t 1941
1953
1965
1977
1989
2001
2013
2025
81
Order
Seven
Eight
Nine
Lucky
b ro w n , y e l l o w, p u r p l e , 2 , 3 , 7
red, green, purple, 3,4,9
green, red, purple, 1,7,8
Unlucky
blue, white, gold, 1,5,6
gold, brown, black, 6,7,8
b l a c k , g r a y, d a r k b r o w n , 1 2 , 5
Element
fire
earth
metal
yang
yin
yang
warm-hearted, upright,
gentle, soft-hearted, thrifty
enthusiastic, self-assured,
considerate, persistent,
sociable, innovative
Force Strengths
easygoing, independent, patient We a k n e s s e s
attractive, hardworking
spendthrift, vain, spontaneous
B i r t h Ye a r
1942 1990
82
猴 M O N K EY
羊 S H EEP
馬 HORSE
1954 2002
1966
1978
2014
2026
indecisive, timid, vain, moody
jealous, suspicious, cunning,
pessimistic
selfish, arrogant
1943
1955
1991
2003
1967 2015
1979 2027
1944
1956
2004
2016
1968 2028
1980 1
5,9
,
1992
猪 P IG
狗 DOG
鸡 ROOS T E R
Tw e l v e
Te n
Eleven
g o l d , b ro w n , y e l l o w, 5 , 7 , 8
green, red, purple, 3,4,9
white, green, 1,3,9
blue, white, gold, 1,6,7
metal
earth
yin
yang
independent, capable,
valiant, loyal, responsible,
warm-hearted, self-respecting,
c l e v e r, c o u r a g e o u s , l i v e l y,
quick thinking
sensitive, conservative
impatient, critical, eccentric,
stubborn, emotional
y e l l o w, g r a y, b r o w n , g o l d , 2 , 5 , 8 red, blue, green, 3,1,9 water yin honest, frank, chivalrous, gallant, tolerant, optimistic, faithful naive, hot-tempered, impulsive
narrow-minded, selfish 1945
1957
1969
1981
1946
1958
1970
1982
1993
2005
2017
2029
1994
2006
2018
2030
1947
1959
1971
1983
1995
2007
2019
2031
83
W U X I N G
84
C O R R E L A T
f i v五 I O N S
85
木W O O D Azure dragon
Ve r m i l i o n b i rd
Y
east
south
c
spring
summer
l
windy
hot
d
Jupiter
Mars
S
patience
joy
e
anger
shock
a
sour
bitter
s
Heavenly stems
甲, 乙
丙, 丁
戊
Earthly branches
寅, 亥
卯, 戌, 午
子
new yang
full yang
y
generative
expansive
s
sprouting
blooming
r
sensitivity
creativity
c
Sense
sight
speech
t
Stage
birth
youth
a
Heavenly creature Direction Season We a t h e r Planet Positive quality Negative quality Ta s t e
Phase Energy State Action
86
火F I R E
水W A T E R
金M E T A L
土E A R T H
Ye l l o w d r a g o n
White tiger
To r t o i s e & s n a k e
centre
west
north
late summer
autumn
winter
damp
dry
cold
Saturn
Ve n u s
Mercury
empathy
courage
calmness
anxiety
sadness
fear
sweet
pungent
salty
戊, 己
庚, 辛
壬, 癸
子, 丑
辰, 酉
巳, 申, 未
yin yang balance
new yin
full yin
stabilizing
contracting
conserving
ripening
withering
dormant
clarity
intuition
spontaneity
taste
smell
hearing
adolescence
adulthood
old age
87
Tw e l v e i s d e d i c a t e d t o m y m o t h e r, Frances Gurarie, who was a friend and saviour of many creatures large and small.
88
ARTWORK TITLES p.12
Jordie.
p.16
p.32
Bai Suzhen.
p.65
G o l d e n F o l l y.
Before the Rain. p.37
Masquerade.
p.66 John.
p.70
p.21 p.39 Bea.
Restless.
p.25
H a y B a r n B a b y.
Tianma.
p.43
Ya n g .
p.72
G o l d e n B o y.
p.47
p.76
p.29
Rain Dance.
S h a p e s h i f t e r.
p.60
B o s s y.
Violet.
F i n e a r t p r i n t s o f i n d i v i d u a l S h e n g x i a o z o d i a c c re a t u re s c a n b e p u rc h a s e d d i re c t l y f ro m A l i c e G u r- A r i e . O rd e r s a n d e n q u i r i e s a l i c e @ a l i c e g u r- a r i e . c o m . For licensing enquiries contact: artists@bridgemanimages.com. To s e e m o r e o f A l i c e G u r - A r i e ’s c o n t e m p o r a r y a r t p o r t f o l i o g o t o h t t p s : / / w w w . s i n g u l a r t . c o m / e n / a r t i s t / a l i c e - g u r - a r i e - 2 4 5 5 9 . 89
Alice Gur-Arie © 2021. All rights reserved under the International Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review, where credit must be attributed.
All artworks are created entirely by the artist. The stories are works of fiction. With the exception of names of public persons used to provide context, all names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, organisations, events or locales is wholly coincidental.
90
A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S I am deeply indebted to my friend John Vollmer for his contribution to this book. Without his guidance, encouragement, knowledge - and tenacity - it is highly unlikely that Twelve would have seen the light of day. Since I started the project in 2014, John has guided my efforts to honour the Chinese zodiac animals in art and words, and this past year, designed the layout and contributed the Foreward.
Many thanks for help along the way to Eleanor Goldhar, Jacqueline Simcox and David Kamen.
And a special bow to Jack Verkruysse for putting up with a temperamental artist/ writer as she negotiated with the demanding demons of creativity. 91