Saga Furs Welcomes the Lunar New Year of the Horse to the Top Lot Programme

Since 2017, Saga Furs has elegantly incorporated the Lunar New Year zodiac into its Top Lot Programme, introducing an animal companion each year to celebrate Lunar New Year. Lunar Zodiac animals are rich in auspicious symbolism and hold deep cultural significance across Asian traditions. Each zodiac sign is associated with distinct traits, and it is believed that individuals born in a particular year inherit the characteristics of that year's animal. The twelve Chinese zodiac signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, each possessing its own unique qualities.

The year 2026 is designated as the Year of the Fire Horse in the Lunar Zodiac, beginning on February 17, 2026, and ending on February 5, 2027. T he year of the Fire Horse is a sign full of vitality, strength, and momentum. The horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature and symbolizes speed, perseverance, and independence. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to share these traits, often described as energetic, hardworking, warm-hearted, persistent and self-reliant.

The horse is also closely associated with success and good fortune. A well-known Chinese phrase, " 马到成功 ," conveys the idea of achieving success swiftly and smoothly-much like a victorious horse arriving on the battlefield. It symbolizes rapid achievement and effortless triumph.

The Horse is the seventh animal in the Lunar Zodiac. Years of the Horse include 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942.

"Felix" - the newest member to Saga Furs Top Lot animal family

As we step into the vibrant Year of the Horse, Saga Furs is proudly introducing "Felix" ( 福路 ), the newest member of the Top Lot animal family during our March auction 2026.

The combination of the energetic horse and the passionate fire element is expected to create a dynamic and transformative year - one that encourages innovation and bold new ventures.

This exceptional creation celebrates the beginning of a prosperous year and stands as a symbol of good fortune for our valued customers around the world.

A Guarantee of Excellence

"The Saga Furs Top Lot Programme consistently showcases the superior quality of Saga® Mink, Fox and Finnraccoon pelts for our auction buyers," says Samantha Vesala, Business Director of Marketing and Business Relations at Saga Furs. "The inclusion of zodiac animals in our tradition reflects the design excellence, artistry and craftsmanship inherent in our fur creations. Despite recent challenges in the fur trade, the introduction of the horse "Felix" into the Top Lot family is both a celebration of the Lunar New Year and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity for our valued customers in the years ahead."

Crafting the Horse

The Horse, "Felix," is a true masterpiece, crafted with Pearl mink and Fawn Light fox. Each material is presented in carefully selected colors that emphasize sophistication, balance, and artistic refinement.

Furrier Thea Bank Larsen shares her creative journey:

"Designing the zodiac animal each year is both exciting and challenging. Creating the animal that represents the year is something we always look forward to. For the Lunar Year of the Horse, I chose to design a white horse, symbolizing peace and purity-an especially meaningful choice in the world we live in today."