The Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) presents the exhibition "Celebrating the Year of the Rat" starting from 13 June 2020, demonstrating the rich meanings of rats in the Chinese culture.

2020 is the Year of the Rat in traditional Chinese astrology. Members of the rodent family, rats are one of the oldest mammals in the world. Chinese literary references to the miniature nibblers are very often negative in nature. Nevertheless, as our close neighbour throughout human history, they have served as inspirations for artistic creations` based on some of their characteristics. For example, their strong ability to breed and adapt to the environment has become an auspicious symbol of prosperity.

This exhibition features over ten artefacts on rats and their relatives, such as squirrels and bats, from the Art Museum. Dated from as early as the Qing dynasty, this fine selection of exhibits covers a variety of artworks including high-quality porcelains, ink stones, as well as Lingnan paintings.