East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A charming, hand-carved wood tenon presenting in the form of a reclining water buffalo atop a gathering of flowers. The adorable creature faces to the right, presenting a protruding snout, annular eyes, and lengthy horns that point backwards. His body is finely decorated with a zigzag relief along his back end and an incised, spiral design on his hind legs. The buffalo is attached to a disc and jutting plank that would allow it to be inserted into the wall of a building. Size: 7.5" L x 6.3" W x 5.9" H (19 cm x 16 cm x 15 cm)

The water buffalo or ox is one of the twelve animals featured in the Chinese zodiac. In Chinese art, this animal is commonly associated with the life of the peasant. Oxen are symbolic of springtime and agricultural life, or more generally, the pastoral ideal of a simple life removed from the distractions of city or official life. These animals were crucial for a farmer's livelihood and were highly valued. In China, it is not unusual to see bronze oxen or water buffalo lining the shores of lakes and rivers. This practice dates to the Tang Dynasty and is based on the legendary emperor who founded the Xia Dynasty, the first dynasty referred to in historical records, and as legend goes, controlled China's floodwaters by placing iron oxen alongside the waters of his projects.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired from 1960 to 2000

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#168286

Loss of front legs. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Expected nicks, abrasions, and stable surface fissures, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely patina.