Liu Yuanchang is a master of Chinese arts and crafts. He has served as the director of the Institute of Fine Arts at Jingdezhen Sculpture Porcelain Factory and as the factory director. He is a member of the Jiangxi branch of the China Artists Association and the secretary-general of the Jingdezhen Sculpture Research Association. He is an expert who receives special government allowances.

Liu Yuanchang's ceramic work Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit uses the zodiac culture as a vehicle, skillfully blending traditional philosophical wisdom with modern artistic language to create a vibrant spiritual world within a small space. This piece not only demonstrates the artist's profound understanding of ceramic sculpture but also conveys contemplation of natural laws, cultural heritage, and the spirit of the times through symbolic expression.

I. Philosophical Deconstruction of Imagery: From Zodiac Symbols to Cosmic Order

The work centers on the rabbit as its core imagery, transcending the mere significance of a zodiac symbol. In traditional Chinese culture, the rabbit symbolizes agility, auspiciousness, and the cycle of life force. The term "fortune" refers to the dynamic balance of yin and yang in heaven and earth from the I Ching. By juxtaposing these two elements, Liu Yuanchang creates a dialogue between the "rabbit" and the "fortune": the rabbit's head is raised, its ears slightly spread, as if sensing the flow of energy between heaven and earth. The body's lines are smooth and full of tension, preserving the rabbit's agility while subtly embodying the masculine beauty of "heaven's movement." This combination of strength and softness aligns with the T'ai Chi philosophy of the interdependence of yin and yang, making the work a miniature model of the universe, symbolizing the harmonious resonance between natural laws and the rhythm of life.

In terms of spatial design, the work does not present a traditionally static feeling. The rabbit's posture is spirally upward, with its feet connected to the base in a way that implies a rotational trajectory, as if the energy of heaven and earth is circulating through this medium. This dynamic design not only gives the work strong visual tension but also transforms the metaphor of "turning the fortune around" into a perceptible artistic language.

II. Enlightenment: Seeking Cultural Identity in the Tension Between Tradition and Modernity

The creation of Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit offers important insights for contemporary art. It proves that traditional culture is not a rigid system of symbols but can be creatively transformed into a source of modern aesthetics. Instead of simply copying the traditional zodiac figurines, Liu Yuanchang delves into their philosophical connotations, elevating the "rabbit" from a folk symbol to a cultural metaphor. This transformation requires not only a deep understanding of tradition but also a keen awareness of the contemporary social context. How to keep traditional culture alive in the wave of globalization and digitalization, Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit provides an enlightening answer.

Finally, the philosophical core of Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit serves as a spiritual mirror for contemporary society. In a rapidly changing era, people often get caught up in the pursuit of efficiency and speed, neglecting the essence of life and the rhythm of nature. Through the dialogue between the "rabbit" and the "fortune," the work reminds us to re-examine the relationship between humans and nature and that between individuals and the world: "turning the fortune around" is not about fighting against the laws but about following the natural way and seizing the right moment. This wisdom is not only applicable to artistic creation but also inspires modern people facing life's challenges: maintaining inner composure in constant change and finding one's own "balance point" in the tide of the times.

Conclusions

Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit is a philosophical expression in Liu Yuanchang's artistic career. He uses the zodiac as a starting point and ceramics as a medium to create a dynamic artistic world in the fusion of tradition and modernity. This piece is not only a breakthrough in ceramic sculpture language but also a contemporary interpretation of the spirit of Chinese culture. It reminds us that true artistic innovation can never be separated from a deep exploration of cultural roots and a keen grasp of the spirit of the times. In this sense, Turn the Fortune Around in the Year of the Rabbit is not just a ceramic work but a mirror reflecting our collective search for cultural identity in the globalized era.