Contemporary Chinese Ceramics- Yao Yongkang

Yao Yongkang, who was born in China in 1942, has been said to be the finest living Chinese ceramic artist. He is most famous for his porcelain sculptural work that is finished with celadon glazes. His work depicts baby boys sitting on top of animals such as a dog or fish and surrounded by lotus flowers. This piece in the image is titled "Millennium Baby" and was created in 2000. By only ever portraying male babies in his work, Yongkang is making a comentary on China's love for male children and distain for female babies. In this image, the baby boy is sitting on top of a dog which symbolizes good forturn and the lotus leaf constitutes a blessed wish to have a male child.