Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei Terracotta 北斉時代の大きな彩色陶製の装飾牛像 - 41 cm

caparisoned ox

Northern Qi Dynasty (550–577 AD)

An impressive and powerfully modelled pottery figure of a standing ox, shown foursquare on an integral rectangular base. The animal is represented with a broad muscular body, heavy chest and strongly arched neck, its head turned slightly to one side beneath a pair of long curving horns.

The head is particularly expressive, with large painted eyes, prominent muzzle and richly modelled harness fittings. The body is elaborately adorned with applied trappings and pendant ornaments running along the flanks, emphasizing the importance and ceremonial character of the animal.

The surface retains extensive traces of its original white slip and painted decoration, including reddish-brown and dark manganese-toned pigments, particularly around the head, neck and body. The surviving decoration, together with the naturally weathered burial surface, gives the figure a particularly attractive and authentic archaeological appearance.

Large pottery animals of this type were produced as mingqi, or funerary objects, during the Northern Dynasties and were placed in the tombs of members of the elite. Oxen were symbols of agricultural wealth, strength and prosperity, while richly caparisoned examples such as the present figure reflected the status and material world of the deceased.

The combination of its monumental proportions, animated modelling, elaborate harness decoration and substantial surviving original pigment makes this a particularly impressive example of Northern Qi funerary sculpture.

Northern Qi Dynasty, 550–577 AD

Dimensions:
Height: 41 cm
Width: 41 cm

Provenance

English private collection.

Believed to have been purchased by the previous owner on 7 March 1971 from E. D. Levine, The Antique Gallery, Cromer, Norfolk.

E. D. Levine is recorded by the British Museum as an art and antiques dealer operating in Church Street, Cromer, Norfolk, during the 1950s.

By repute, Levine acquired the present figure from Margaret Jane Barclay (1861–1958), Herne Close, Cromer, together with the contents of her house.

Margaret Jane Barclay belonged to the Barclay family, whose ancestor James Barclay (1708–1766) was associated with the establishment of the banking business that later developed into Barclays Bank.

Condition

Very good condition considering the age. Ancient wear, burial accretions and losses to the original painted surface, consistent with a Northern Qi pottery figure of this period. Extensive traces of the original white slip and brown, reddish and darker pigments remain visible. Please refer closely to the photographs.

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