Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse

2026 農曆新年馬年動畫

Year of the Horse

The piece opens with a childhood memory, sitting across from dad over a Chinese Chess board, learning the thrill of the chase. That familiar ritual of moving, pursuing, and finally capturing an opponent's piece carries a feeling that's hard to put into words but impossible to forget.

From that memory, one piece stood out: 馬 (MA), the horse. Its movement in Chinese Chess, two steps forward, one to the side, mirrors the energy of a new year: forward momentum with a surprising turn. That became the anchor for this Lunar New Year animation, inspired by JL Design's iconic Mahjong work from 2016.

The result is a celebration of play, strategy, and the joy of a fresh start. As we say in Mandarin: 開工大吉！Wishing you a great start back at work and a prosperous Year of the Horse.

Styleframe & Process

The project draws from the visual language of Chinese Chess, reinterpreting its bold iconography through modern motion design. Each frame references the geometry of the game board while embracing the festive energy of Lunar New Year.

Through fluid transitions and layered animation, the piece brings the horse 馬(MA) piece to life, dynamic, unpredictable, and full of forward energy. The goal was to capture both the nostalgia of a childhood memory and the excitement of celebration in a single cohesive visual story.