Rabbit-born people are not only considered to be extremely peace-loving and sensitive but also talented, ambitious and strong-minded. With their calm and charming, but also determined nature, they always achieve the goals they have set for themselves. However, maybe it is better to say “most of the time”, because in the Chinese zodiac the rabbit is “only” in the fourth place, although he actually wanted to be the first. According to legend, the order of the zodiac signs goes back to a race that the Jade Emperor held among the animals. The first 12 animal species that would be the fastest to cross the river and appear at his feast were to be - in the order of their arrival - part of the zodiac. Confident of his victory and his speed, the speedy rabbit set off. When he arrived at the finish line, nobody was to be seen yet. Therefore, he sat down by the side of the road - and fell asleep. When he woke up again, the rat, the buffalo and the tiger had already arrived. The rabbit had to settle for 4th place.


The energy of this race can be felt in the series of figures with which the porcelain artist Maria Walther approaches to the Chinese signs of the zodiac. The animals seem to be frozen in motion, captured just at the moment when they sprint out of the river's waves to the finish line. The rabbit sets off for the jump with its ears flattened and its gaze focused on the last meters. The radiance of the white porcelain brings out the impressive energy particularly well.
MEISSEN artist Silke Ebermann interprets the deeply symbolic animals in a completely different way. She consciously relies on the contrast of a childlike, almost naïve depiction. As with the previous annual animals, she belittles the figure of the rabbit with the help of a lovely form and a fine, partial staffage, which puts the large, trusting eyes in the foreground. The rabbit embodies pure innocence, and its calm, friendly and peaceful nature is believed without hesitation.
The design of the zodiac signs could hardly be more different. At the same time, the figures show the incredible diversity of MEISSEN designs. We are sure; you certainly will find your personal favorite, which will accompany you as a lucky charm throughout the year.

May all of you have a peaceful time. We wish you all the best for 2023.