Fine Chinese Nephrite jade carved water buffalo resting in a relaxed position, with head reposing on the right shoulder. Curved tail encircling upward to rest on left hip location. A young boy is nestled in opposite position with stylized ruyi cloud breath gust forth from its mouth and flowing downward toward the boys feet. The Jade shows grayish-pale-celadon color, with dark-brown-russet sporadic inclusions along the surface. The sculpture displayed moist milky appearance, with beautiful iridescent properties. Displayed on a carved cloud form hardwood stand.
In Chinese symbols, the ox is one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.
A charm with the inscription in Daoist magic writing, displaying an ox and a star god (star official), may be seen at Daoist (Taoist) Charms.
A charm showing a boy riding an ox which represents the early humble beginnings of Emperor Tai Zu of the Ming Dynasty may be seen at Chinese Charms with Coin Inscriptions.
Because of their importance to agriculture, the water buffalo or ox (niu) symbolizes springtime, harvest and fertility.
To city dwellers and government officials, the water buffalo also represents a simple and idyllic life.


Dimensions: 61.58mm H x 111.43mm L
Weight: 615.3g
Stand: 7/8" H

PROVENANCE: From the estate and inheritance of Cecil Knight Jr. (1933- 2017).

He was gifted these items from his parents who had lived abroad in the late 1800s.
Cecil Knight Sr. professional experience was in foreign property acquisition for major corporations, trips to find and evaluate a piece of property often would take 6 months or more. This time while in foreign countries also allowed the couple to search out and collect highly sought after rare and unique antiques that they would bring back as gifts for his family members and add into their private collection.
Over many years they had collected more than 240 Chinese items as well as almost 1,500 European works of art and treasures.

The following Item(s) from the estate and inheritance of Cecil Knight Jr. offered at auction catalog listing from Lot-23 through Lot-60.

Over all in EXCELLENT Condition, Natural Jade stone.

The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. EDEN Galleries shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.