Chinese Ming Dynasty Nephrite Jade Carving Of A Buffalo

~ Chinese Ming Dynasty Nephrite Jade Carving Of A Buffalo ~

A small carved pendant in the form of a recumbent buffalo or ox, the legs tucked beneath the body in the traditional reclining pose, with a blocky head flanked by two large curled ears or horns. The stone is a dark, mottled grey green with small lighter speckled inclusions throughout and a glossy polish. A hole is drilled through the neck area, through which a modern red braided cord has been threaded for wear or display.

Historical Context

The recumbent buffalo or ox is one of the most enduring subjects in Chinese decorative carving, tied to the animal's longstanding associations with agriculture, spring, and quiet, dependable strength. A large bronze water buffalo was traditionally placed by lakesides in Beijing in the belief that it would calm the waters and repress harmful spirits, and small carved versions in jade and other hardstones were popular as personal ornaments and scholar's desk objects for centuries. Surviving examples genuinely span an enormous range of dates, from museum quality Ming and Qing pieces to decorative twentieth century carvings made in the same long established form, which is part of why this particular subject is so difficult to date with confidence from photographs alone.

~ Dimensions ~

The piece has a length of 4 cm (1 ½ inches), a width of 2.5 cm (1 inches) and a height of 2 cm (3/4 of an inch).

It weighs 28 g.

~ Condition ~

The piece is in very nice condition with no damage.

JA#10502ABO_784996817*