Water Buffalo Support

Artist Unknown (China) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:02:04 -0400

Title	Water Buffalo Support
Artist	Artist Unknown (China)
Date	6th-5th century B.C.E.
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

A vivid impression of life and movement is achieved by the schematic treatment of the legs, the ponderous body, and the summarily modelled head. The eyes, under flat, curving horns, are extraordinarily expressive. the incised decor of the body, with thin, slanting lines arranged in rows or grouped around a circular motif, stems from an earlier element that appears on the legs and throat of the early Middle Chou figure of a buffalo (Karlgren, Plates 102, 103). The socket on the beast's back indicates that the animal has served as a podium. The body is hollow and open, with traces of clay inside the belly. Patina grey-green.

Water Buffalo Support

Water Buffalo Support

Water Buffalo Support

Artist Unknown (China)

6th-5th century B.C.E.