Prosperity Toss

Peiwen Kwang

11cm (W) x 12cm (H) 

Posca markers on archival paper

This artwork depicts a typical Lunar New Year dinner spread for South East Asian households. At the centre is the star dish, the Prosperity Toss, better known as Yusheng or Lo Shang in Chinese. The dish usually consists of strips of raw fish mixed with shredded vegetables and various sauces and condiments. 

Each Lunar New Year gathering is kicked off by doing the Prosperity Toss. Each guest tosses the dish with their chopsticks whilst saying auspicious wishes for good prosperity during the coming year. The act of doing the toss together is a symbol of unity and abundance. It is a messy but fun way to start the year!