Northern Wei Dynasty ( 386-534) Long 34 cm., high 26 cm. Most Rare Large Painted Gray Pottery Ox -Note: Originally, these figurines had wooden ears, horns, and tails that were attached to sockets on the head and back, allowing them to move. However, due to erosion, these wooden elements have turned to ashes and are now missing. The entire surface of the Ox was once painted in vibrant colors. Such figures have only been discovered in the capital region and were exclusively used by the royal family, as they were forbidden to ordinary people. -Expert’s note: Far beyond its utilitarian value, the ox emerged as a powerful symbol of perseverance in Chinese culture. This symbolism grew particularly prominent during the Northern Wei dynasty, a period marked by significant advancements in agrarian practices. The ox was not only indispensable for plowing fields and sustaining agricultural productivity but also came to embody the virtues of hard work and resilience that underpin the Chinese society's prosperity to this very day. During the Northern Wei era, the reverence for the ox extended into art and ritual, where representations of oxen were often associated with sacrifice, highlighting their spiritual role in connecting the human and divine realms. In ancient burial practices, large and powerful ox figurines, like this one, were sometimes placed in tombs as spirit guardians or symbols of sustenance in the afterlife. Condition: Consistent with its age, this artifact exhibits ancient wear, minor repairs, and subtle touch-ups. Typical firing flaws, weathering, and erosion are present, along with remnants of original pigments—entirely expected for an excavation over 1,400 years old. There are two age-old cracks on the back side of the left and right legs. These cracks are original and stable but can be made virtually invisible upon client request. Provenance: -Private collection, London Well modelled with head raised facing forward. His long tongue reaching into one of the nostrils. The ears projecting below the curved horns. The ox with large circular bosses on the scored harness and straps of the rump trappings hung with ovoid tasselled medallions. Traces of the original white and red slip. This figure is similar to an ox included in the exhibition, Animals and Animal Designs in Chinese Art, Eskenazi, New York, 24 March – 4 April 1998, no. 14, dated to Northern Qi Dynasty. For an ox excavated in Wangguo Village, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, in 1981, see Son of Heaven, Chinese Overseas Archaeological Exhibition, Beijing, Catalogue, p. 190, pl. 123. Reference: Similar to an Ox included in the exhibition, Animals and Animal Designs in Chinese Art, Eskenazi, New York, 24 March – 4 April 1998, no. 14, also dated to Northern Qi. For an Ox excavated in Wangguo Village, Taiyuan, Shaanxi Province in 1981, see Son of Heaven, Chinese Overseas Archaeological Exhibition Corporation, Beijing, Catalogue, p. 190, pl. 123 The result of the thermoluminescence test, is consistent with the dating of the item. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 16 September 1999, lot 279 Price: USD 55,200 Description: An unusual painted grey pottery figure of an ox, Northern Qi dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, form, modelling, carving, and pigments. Note the almost similar size (38.7cm). Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by FedEx. Shipped with Insurance! Our Guarantee: The above item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been purchased legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws to cultural patrimony. - All items legal to buy/sell under The Netherlands covering cultural patrimony, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. The Wei dynasty was founded by people of Turkish-Mongol origin known as the Tabghatch or Toba, who broke with the Han people who represent the main strain of population in China. As followers of the Taoist faith, this was a hard people whose crown prince asked his mother to commit suicide when he ascended to the throne. The Northern Dynasties Beichao 北朝 (386-581) is a series of dynasties that ruled over northern China, while the south was ruled by the so-called Southern dynasties南朝 (420~589). Both groups of dynasties are called the Southern and Northern dynastiesNanbeichao 南北朝 (300~600). The period of the Northern Dynasties begins either with the foundation of the non-Chinese Northern Wei dynasty in 386, or in 439, the year of the reunification of northern China by the Northern Wei, and ends with the foundation of the Sui dynasty隋 (581-618) that eventually reunited the whole of China. The 5th and 6th century is therefore called the era of the Southern and Northern dynasties南北朝 (300~600). Except those of the Northern Qi Dynasties北齊 (550-577), all rulers of the Northern Dynasties belonged to the people of the Tabac拓跋, a tribe of the steppe federation of the Xianbei鮮卑. Their dynasties were the Northern Wei北魏 (386-534), Western Wei西魏 (535-556) and Eastern Wei東魏 (534-550), and the Northern Wei北周 (557-581). Three Kingdoms, Jin Dynasty, Northern and Southern Dynasties (Six Dynasties) 220 – 589 A.D. During the Northern dynasties period, increased contact between the people of China and the northwest frontier brought about cultural exchange between the two regions. Pottery sculptures of this period show distinct influence from outside China. Sculptures of camel become increasingly common: figurines of foreigner, civil officials, horses, and warriors. Equestrian themes showing warriors mounted on armoured horses also prevailed. The types of burial figurines used during the Northern Qi dynasty were similar to those of the Northern and Eastern Wei dynasties. Warriors, attendants, musicians, dancers, and tomb guardians in the form of divine beasts constitute the bulk of the figurines but particularly interesting are the armoured horses and mounted musicians among the tomb master’s guards of honour. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate by FedEx. Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own country #CollectorsFair25