Tomb Model of an Ox
Artist/Culture
Chinese
Datelatter Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Mediumbaked clay
Dimensions11.6 x 16.8 cm (4 9/16 x 6 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Helen H. Lipner
Terms
Object number1972.29
Label TextLike our two Han Dynasty dogs 208.72 and 209.72, this cow or oxen is a tomb sculpture, of baked pink clay, moulded in two halves, covered with light grey glaze, patches of black paint and traces of color on eyes, ears, halter, nostrils, and hooves. A fine example of vigorous modelling.
The Chinese do not drink milk so their cattle are essentially beasts of burden. However, large draft oxen with sturdy breasts and small upright horns which have often been cut off for safety reasons, were well suited to the plough. They do appear in the Han, pre-T'ang, and T'ang period as household animals. The halter, loosely painted upon the pink clay surface here, appears to confirm that this animal was a household item whose substitute in clay may have been buried with the owner. Style and surface structure would seem to link this funerary sculpture with similar works of the Han period.ProvenanceMrs. Helen H. Lipner, Foxboro, MAOn View
Not on view
