A Picture of Dedication: The Tale of The Five Oxen

In a Chinese linguistic context, the ox is a symbol of diligence, dedication, progress, and strength. For example, a selfless commitment to the good of the people is represented by ruziniu, or “a willing ox to serve the children”. The animal holds a special place in Chinese culture, and, through the nation’s history, has been venerated by politicians, scholars, and artists alike. Animals have always been a focus of interest for artists, constituting a major genre of Chinese ancient painting. ...