Exhibition in Shenzhen spotlights passion for Chinese zodiac

A bull is a creature that works hard, toils, and does a lot of heavy lifting. Han Meilin, one of the most productive artists in China, often says: "I'm destined to work as hard as a bull throughout my life."

"The bull symbolizes diligence and wealth. I paint bulls, and I try to be as persistent, energetic and humble like a bull," he adds.

Han, a sprightly 85-year-old, paints, designs, writes and exhibits with an energy that would do justice to someone half his age.

Han's latest pieces are sculptures of four bronze bulls, which were unveiled in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Dec 21. The quartet were forged to celebrate the arrival of the first day, on Feb 12, of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which, according to the Chinese zodiac, is the Year of the Ox.