A gilded statue of the fortune god holding a mythological mouse that can bring fortune to worshippers, is on view at the Shanghai Museum. [Photo/Official Website of the Shanghai Museum]

Shanghai Museum show highlights relics with rat designs

Although rats contribute to a good share of derogatory language in most countries, they somehow have stolen the first position of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and are often associated with wealth and prosperity in ancient Chinese culture.

To mark the Year of the Rat, the Shanghai Museum is hosting a special exhibition, featuring five ancient Chinese relics with rat motifs, to celebrate the auspicious messages carried by the often misunderstood creatures.

The exhibition runs through Feb 23.

If you go:

9:00-17:00, No 201 Renmin Dadao, Huangpu district, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区人民大道201号, 上海博物馆