Gilded bronze sculpture of a kneeling ox, Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227 ), from the collection of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum

This bronze kneeling ox is a treasure of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum. Weighing 188 kilograms, it is hollow inside and gilded outside. The curved horns and upright ears are two of its lifelike details.

Discovered in 1977 from the subordinate tomb No 101 of the Western Xia imperial tombs, this bronze masterpiece combines sculpting, casting, gilding and polishing techniques, showcasing the peak of Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227) craftsmanship. It is more than just an artwork - it also reflects the prosperity of agricultural life in Northwest China at the time.