羡鸳鸯 The Greatest Is LOVE

This is a pair of mandarin ducks. The mandarin ducks are believed to be very loving and affectionate birds. They are faithful and loyal to each other and always stick together.

This plaque is really eye-catching! The shape and colour of this plaque is what makes it so unique.

The saying is that one would choose to be a mandarin duck over being an immortal that lives forever. It actually means that one would rather be in love than to have an everlasting life. Thus, the original verses are comprised of two parts: envy the mandarin ducks because they are loving, faithful couples, even more than we envy immortals that will live forever. However, in fear of offending the immortals (who have the power to turn me into a duck) I decided just to carve the part which says 'envy the mandarin ducks'.

The wood I got to make the this plaque came in a pre-cut shape, of a duck. I had the exact idea on what to do when I saw the wood.

The fun began when I tried to look for the mandarin ducks on the websites. I searched and found many pictures of them. (Click on pictures to view video clips) :)

Amazed by the colour, I couldn't believe what I saw. WOW....

I found more, and even the video clips showing the ducks on the lake. As many other animals, the males' colour looks more attractive than that of the female. It would be a challenge to paint my ducks like that I thought.

So, its an ancient saying, should go with an ancient font - oracle, just what I like best. They comprised of so many fine strokes and I was glad I didn't mess up the carving.

Anyway, I have to say I am very pleased with the ultimate product.