Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is a fictional figure who features in a body of legends, which can be traced back to the period of the Song dynasty (960 to 1279 AD). He is best known for his role in the classic 16th century Chinese novel "Journey to the West." Sun Wukong possesses supernatural strength and various magical abilities. In the novel, his metal crown (ringlet) is actually a restraining device which shrinks at the command of his master Tang Sanzang, producing an unbearable headache. While there are countless interpretations of Sun Wukong, I chose to depict him in his golden armor (Song dynasty style, which he took from the dragons of the four seas) riding atop a speeding cloud (thanks to his cloud walking boots), holding his magical staff (which incidentally weighs 8.1 tons and can shrink to a size of a sewing needle which he tucks behind his ear). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

The bottom of the staff bent as it softened during glaze firing - good thing this is a magical staff and was in the process of changing its size!

Wet clay model - work in progress