A very rare porcelain figure of a reclining ox, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period, circa 1700-1722 | 清康熙 約1700至1722年間 彩瓷塑雕臥牛擺件

Amsterdam, Christie's, 5th December 2000, lot 160.

Collection Mrs Marianne L. Dreesmann-van der Spek, Laren, inv. no J009.

Thence by inheritance to the present owners.

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阿姆斯特丹佳士得，2000年12月5日，編號160

Marianne L. Dreesmann-van der Spek 珍藏，荷蘭拉倫，鑒藏編號 J009

後家族流傳至今

The ox is the second animal in the animal zodiac of Chinese astrology and it stands for patience and strength. In China the ox is also a symbol for spring and agriculture. When this bovine mammal has a yellow hide, it represents a fertile and abundant harvest. To ensure a rich harvest it was customary to perform certain rituals. China was not the only ancient culture to perform these ceremonies, the farmers in ancient Egypt conducted similar rites.Earthenware figures of oxen were mostly produced between 200 BC and 900 AD. They were especially popular as grave figurines. Bronze representations of oxen, produced around the same time, were more rare and served to decorate the graves of high officials and members of the court. Porcelain models of oxen were not fabricated until the 13th century, and their popularity was at its highest in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were produced for the domestic market but also for export. Most popular were the depictions of oxen on chinoiserie wallpaper and textiles. Large glazed porcelain representations, serving as decorations in the west on chests of drawers, console tables or mantelpieces, were more rare.