Page 228 - Christie's Hong Kong November 29, 2022 Fine Chinese Works of Art

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A FINE WHITE JADE CARVING OF A BUFFALO 清十八世紀 白玉臥牛擺件

QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY 來源:
The recumbent horned buffalo is carved resting on its belly, with its 約1990年購自紐約Alan Hartman，Rare Art（傳）
legs tucked under its body. The stone is of an even white tone with
minor white mottling.
5 in. (12.8 cm.) wide, box 玉牛在中國一向廣受喜愛。在亞洲，牛在十二生肖中是對應十二地支的「丑」
。中國人對牛的認知一向是盡忠職守，勤奮努力，堅毅而不屈，有力但祥和
HK$1,000,000-1,500,000 US$130,000-190,000 溫順，其中多少與其助耕生產農作物的角色有關。在禪宗及道教的觀念裡，
也對牛有特殊的親近及好感，令人聯想到寧靜的田園生活，遠離世俗塵囂
P R O V E NAN C E : 及繁瑣公務。
Acquired from Alan Hartman, Rare Art, New York, circa 1990,
by repute
Jade carvings of buffalo have traditionally been greatly prized in China.
The Asiatic ox or buffalo is one of the twelve horary animals representing
Chou, the second of the twelve branches of the Chinese calendrical
system. Buffaloes are associated with strength, prosperity and tranquility
in China, in part because of their role in farming and the production of
food. In addition, the romanticised view of the buffalo had resonance for
Chan Buddhists and Daoists alike, suggesting retreat into a tranquil rural
life, away from the cities and the responsibilities of public office.

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