A WELL CRAVED GREEN AND BROWN JADE MODEL OF A RECUMBENT OX

Estimated Value:

6.000 € - 10.000 €

Result:

incl. Premium and VAT

Description:

China, Qing dynasty
L. 19 cm
Beautifully polished and detailed jade. Weight: 2.252 kg
Formerly Alan Hartman Collection (1930 - 2023), copy of invoice dated 30 May 1973 available
Jade buffalos, like this charming example, have traditionally been greatly prized in China. The ox or buffalo is one of the twelve animals representing Chou, the second of the twelve terrestrial branches used in Chinese astrological, calendrical and zodiac systems. Buffalos are associated with strength, prosperity and tranquility in China, in part because of their role in farming and the production of food. The carving recalls a 1746 inscription by the Qianlong emperor: "The buffalo is essential to provide food, helping thousands of people to bring in a bountiful harvest every year." This inscription appears on a more simply carved brownish-black jade buffalo sold at Christie's London, 11 November 2003, lot 65
The popularity of these animals has an ancient source, since the legendary emperor Yu of the Xia dynasty (c. 2100-1600 BC) is said to have made an offering of an iron ox or buffalo to subdue floods. This theme was taken up by the emperor Qianlong (1736-1795), who ordered the casting of a large bronze ox in 1755, which he had placed looking out over Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace. The back of the ox has an eighty-character inscription which refers to Yu's iron buffalo made to control the floods - Very minor traces of age, good condition

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