Art Guide

The Art of Celebrating the Lunar New Year

From spring cleaning to re-decorating, Chinese New Year is an excellent time of year to revamp your home and office as you welcome in a prosperous new year!

You are reading The Art of Celebrating the Lunar New Year

By Mae
Maximise the flow of positive energy this Chinese New Year by embellishing your home or office with auspicious contemporary art pieces, to usher in vitality, success and prosperity in the upcoming year!

1. Auspicious Animals

Firstly, charge into the Year of the Ox with famous bull artist - Tjokorda Bagus Wiratmaja. Positively regarded across cultures, the Ox is a symbol of capability and strength. Inspired by the unwavering diligence and strength of the bull, Tjokorda skilfully depicts the ephemeral and transcendent movements of the ox. By adding bursts of passionate energy into your home and office, Tjokorda’s paintings would not only invigorate your home or office, but also auspiciously welcome good health and an abundance of wealth in the upcoming year. 


Tjokorda Bagus Wiratmaja, On Fire, Acrylic on Canvas, 120 x 180cm.


Tjokorda Bagus Wiratmaja, True Fighters, Acrylic on Canvas, 150 x 200cm.

To celebrate the year of the bull, we at Ode to Art have also put together a special feature piece that you can click here to view!

When translated into Chinese, the word for fish, “鱼” (Yu) sounds similar to the word “余”, which means “surplus”. This auspiciously signifies that there will be an abundance of good fortune and wealth that will follow the fish into your home or office space. 


Frank Hyder, Red and Blue, Oil, Acrylic Resin, Metal Leaf and Canvas, 122 x 92cm. 

The koi fish is particularly known for its symbolism of success and determination. Adorned in vibrant gold and red, the koi fish is coined as the the “little dragon”.  Eulogised for its bravery, strength and perseverance when swimming upstream against strong river currents, the koi fish has long been labelled an emblem of high aspirations, wellbeing and successful achievement.


Rujiman, Harmonisation #2, Oil on Canvas, 90 x 180cm.

Let the inclusion of these bright and auspicious fish paintings in your home or workplace liven up your home. At the same time, deliver meaningful well-wishes of strength and good fortune to you and your loved ones in the upcoming year. 

2. Calming Flora 

While animal-themed art pieces can bring a lively energy into your home, floral and nature-themed art pieces can create a tranquil and auspicious ambiance.

Yu Nancheng, Peony, Oil on Canvas, 70 x 70cm.


Healing Blossoms 2, 2017. Ran Hwang, Buttons & Pins on wood Panel, 90 x 240cm. 

Aptly titled “Healing Blossoms”, this contemporary piece by Ran Hwang creates a peaceful image with cherry blossoms. First to bloom after a cold and harsh winter, cherry blossoms are a representation of a promising welcome of spring and new life. 

With delicate long brunches and beautiful red cherry blossom buds, this stunning floral piece can not only embellish a naturalistic beauty to one’s home but also represent hope for a fruitful and good year ahead. Directly translated into "As the flowers bloom may one’s wealth and prosperity grow",  “
花开富贵” is a commonly used Chinese idiom to express well wishes upon oneself and others. This decorative cherry blossom art piece welcomes a lifetime of hope, blessings and good fortune. 

3. Calligraphy and ink 


Lim Tze Peng, 好日居(Blissful Days), Ink on Paper, 94 x 106cm. 


Lim Tze Peng,喜乐 (Joy), Ink on Paper, 97x93cm.

Using masterful brushwork techniques and the ink of traditional Chinese ink calligraphy, Lim Tze Peng has created refined calligraphic art pieces with a virtuous wisdom and well wishes for you and your loved ones. From simple characters of ‘joy’ to wishing ‘blissful days’ ahead, these auspicious additions create a jubilant and festive atmosphere while welcoming good fortune and success to your home.

As we celebrate and busk in the bustle of the new year, we should also not forget to stop and reflect on the past year that we had. Reflect on the year gone by with both gains and missed opportunities. Through this, gain valuable introspect on your personal growth and what you want to achieve in the upcoming year.


 Hong Zhu An, 記憶 Memories, Ink and Pigment on Paper, 54 x 49 cm.

Entitled “Memories”, this serene calligraphic piece by Chinese -born artist Hong Zhu An transcends viewers into a meditative state for self-reflection. The bright red celebrating luck, joy and prosperous well-being complements the tranquil cool tones that represent peace and serenity. Expressing a harmonious mix of sentiment and emotion, this piece creates an inner peace and hope for the days ahead.

4. Auspicious Sculptures

Leap into the new year with this sculpture by Chinese artist Chen Wen Ling. Flashing a bright smile, this sculpture shows his iconic red figure confidently leaping ahead. With a bright red sheen to symbolise joy and prosperity, the sculpture glows with health and vivacity. The bright sculpture encouraging viewers to remain joyful and courageous by leaping forth into the new year with great gusto.  


Chen Wen Ling, Leap.119, 105 x 40 x 65cm.

Last but certainly not least, this adorable and unique panda sculpture to is a delightful way to brighten up your outlook on life and usher in luck for the new year!



 Hiro Ando, Pandasan diamonsstrass-Pink, Mixed Media Resin and Diamonds Strass, 55 x 45 x 45cm. 

The panda in Chinese directly translates into “bear-cat”. With the strength of the bear and the gentleness of a cat, the panda has become a widely regarded symbol of balance for strength and mellowness. Mythologised to ward off evil, this dazzling red panda is a whimsical way to brighten up and welcome prosperity into your home while reminding you to maintain a balanced path in life. 

Want to see more? Discover an even wider selection of unique artworks to help you usher in the Year of the Ox!  Or visit our gallery in Raffles City to view them in person.

We wish all the best to you and your family in the upcoming Lunar New Year! 祝您新年快乐,牛年大吉!



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