A RARE AND IMPORTANT PAINTED WOOD OX HAN DYNASTY (206BC-220A...

Estimate

£3,000 - £5,000

A RARE AND IMPORTANT PAINTED WOOD OX
HAN DYNASTY (206BC-220AD)
木雕牛 汉代
45cm long x 23cm high (approx)

PROVENANCE: From a Private Japanese Collection.

NOTE: This magnificent and rare wooden figure of an Ox was discovered in the desert regions of western China near Lanzhou in Gansu Province.
Such few pieces to have survived were usually carved in separate sections for the head, ears, body, legs and tail and then glued together.

These rare pieces are carved with a strong sense of solidity and are invigoratingly succinct in the manner they have been decorated in minimalistic styles in black and red pigments together with traces of a stucco wash which, given the arid conditions in which they have been discovered seem like new despite the fact they have been buried underground for over two thousand years.

There is little doubt that their lively and vivid modeling, together with fine carving, rates them as wonderful representatives of Han Dynasty creativity.

More Information

Of good sympathetically worn appearance. There are one or two age splits, losses and wear to painted surface throughout, also an old repair to one side of the rump.