Here's the Bull (representing the "Celestial Empire", i.e. China) which, pawing, is trying to reoccupy the role she held at the avant-garde of civilization, particularly between the years zero and 1000.
In less than three decades, i.e. starting from 1978, China (after Mao Zedong's death and the first reforms brought about by Deng Xiaoping), is reoccupying the central role that all world powers, starting from the U.S.A., are recognizing her.
According to Chinese people, their country is represented as a chicken (to be "plucked"!), but when they see the Author's interpretation they feel much more proud.