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Reclining Water Buffalo
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
In the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This jade buffalo illustrates the superb carving skills and the creative mind of its accomplished creator, who sought clients on a competitive market.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineReclining Water Buffalo, 1642–1722. China, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Kangxi reign (1642-1722). Jade; overall: 6.2 x 7.7 cm (2 7/16 x 3 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. John Lyon Collyer in memory of her mother, Mrs. G. M. G. Forman, 1962.223