East Asia, China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 200 BCE. A remarkably realistic pottery figure of a bull standing atop a rectangular plinth presenting a prominent humped back. Head projecting forwards, the ancient animal displays annular eyes, a short snout, a closed mouth, and a hanging dewlap, all beneath a pair of petaloid ears and curved horns. Note the artist's careful attention to detail in the animal's cloven hooves, bowed back legs, delineated nostrils, and slender tail that seemingly sways at his backside. Liberal remains of white, black, and pink pigments are scattered across the surface, nicely contrasting the red terracotta. Size: 10.5" L x 3.8" W x 8.5" H (26.7 cm x 9.7 cm x 21.6 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 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.

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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.

#171996

Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remains of pigments and nice earthen deposits throughout.