**Originally Listed At $800**

Northern China, Mongolia, Ordos culture or a neighboring group, ca. 6th to 2nd centuries BCE. A magnificent cast bronze effigy of a bull. He stands on an integral rectangular base with four legs supporting his elongated body and humped neck. His head is oversized, perhaps to emphasize his horns and face which consist of large nostrils, perked ears, incurved horns, and circular eyes. The Ordos people were equestrian nomads who lived in the grassy, high steppes of the Ordos Plateau. Although today this area is a desert, when the Ordos people lived there, it was lush, and crosscut with many rivers. The Ordos culture is an interesting mix of Central Asian and Chinese, possibly the furthest east group of Scythians. They are famous for their beautiful bronzes, such as this example. The power and virility of the animal is emphasized, as is the wealth of his owner, who has been able to breed such a magnificent animal. Size: 4" L x 1.25" W x 3" H (10.2 cm x 3.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#165277

Surface pitting and fissures. Chips and losses to some surface layers. Bending and slightly misshapen base. Otherwise intact with a rich green patina.