Lunar Lantern: The Rat

Intelligent, adaptable and social, the quick-witted Rat cannot let and opportunity to prosper pass by.

In Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of wealth and surplus and gold is a prestigious colour, signifying luck and prosperity. Reminiscent of 1950s sci-fi robots, each animatronic rat has a wind-up key in its back and the Chinese symbol for good luck spinning on its chest. Depicting them as wind-up toys suggests their busy, inquisitive, industrious nature.

About the artist

Claudia Chan Shaw is an artist, author and designer for fashion label Vivian Chan Shaw. Her diverse career encompasses photography, curating, broadcasting and lecturing. She was co-host of the ABC's popular TV program Collectors.

Lunar Lanterns walk

Find these magnificent giant artworks on the Lunar Lanterns walk.

The free, self-guided tour is available in the Sydney Culture Walks app. Download from the App Store or on Google Play now.

The City of Sydney is proud to partner with OzHarvest during Sydney Lunar Festival. Donate today and help feed Sydney.

Listen to an audio description of this lantern.