Dragon Boat

A Dragon Boat for Girls

This ceramic sculpture reclaims a childhood memory and transforms it into a powerful statement about tradition, belonging, and making space for everyone.

As a child visiting a small Chinese village, I encountered a beautifully carved dragon boat adorned with traditional paintings. When I asked if I could touch it, I was told that females weren't allowed—it would bring bad luck to the team during competition. That moment stayed with me, a small heartbreak that lingered for years.

So I made my own dragon boat. This one is for girls.

The Making

Each piece begins with a fresh vegetable luffa, used to create a plaster mould for slip casting the boat's body. The whimsical mushroom-like legs are hand-built and attached, giving the boat its own unique character—grounded yet ready to sail.

The flag bears the character "女" (nǚ), meaning "girl" or "woman"—a quiet but deliberate reclamation.

About This Piece

This is more than a decorative object. It's a conversation about who gets to participate, who gets to touch beauty, and who gets to belong. It's about rewriting the rules we were handed and creating new traditions that include us all.

Measurment:

9*35*16 cm