Chris Chun in his studio
Chris at work in the studio

Why I paint the zodiac

Heritage, painted forward

“When I create my Chinese Zodiacs, I like to think of them as good luck charms bringing abundance, prosperity and good fortune to their owners!”

Chris Chun is an artist and textile designer with over 25 years of international experience across fine art, design and creative direction. His signature style, a contemporary reimagining of Chinoiserie, has been coined “Chunoiserie” by collectors, who call themselves “Chunistas”.

Chris ChunArtist & designer
Meet Chris

Each sign is delightfully captured with colour and charm, from the quick-witted Rat to the kind-hearted Pig.

The Chinese zodiac

Twelve Animals, Five Elements

The Chinese Zodiac, or shēngxiào, is a cycle of twelve years. Each year belongs to an animal, and people born in that year are said to share its character.

The Lunar New Year starts on a different date each year (usually in late January or February), just not on 1 January.

Need to know your sign?

Enter a birthday and the Zodiac Finder will show the animal, its element and the pieces Chris painted for it.

Find your sign

Metal, water, wood, fire, earth

The Five Elements

Each year also carries one of five elements, which gives its animal a different character. An element lasts for two years in a row, so the same animal and element only meet again every 60 years.

  • Metal

    Years ending in 0 and 1

    Strength, focus and determination. Metal years are disciplined and decisive.

  • Water

    Years ending in 2 and 3

    Wisdom, intuition and adaptability. Water years flow around obstacles.

  • Wood

    Years ending in 4 and 5

    Growth, generosity and creativity. Wood years favour new beginnings and kindness.

  • Fire

    Years ending in 6 and 7

    Passion, energy and courage. Fire years are bold, bright and full of momentum.

  • Earth

    Years ending in 8 and 9

    Stability, patience and loyalty. Earth years reward steady, grounded effort.

The Chunista Club

Your sign’s year ahead, every Lunar New Year

Join collectors around the world for a short note on what the new year holds for your animal, first access to each annual zodiac edition, and order-by reminders before Christmas and Lunar New Year.

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