This is a statue of the snake, one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac, replica of a Tang Dynasty (618~907) statue. Ancient Chinese used a twelve-year cycle for calendars. A group of twelve animals were chosen to represent the twelve years. The artist humanized the animals and gave them a more man-like appearance to show their divine status. They all wear loose robes with wide-sleeves, puting palms together above chest and stand on round base, looking like elegant gentlemen. The vivid statues are glazed in brightly red and covered with white color. Read more...