Lot 3951. A fine large white jade recumbent buffalo, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm.) long. Estimate 900,000 - HKD 1,500,000. Price realised HKD 6,020,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012.  

The buffalo is naturalistically modelled in a recumbent position with legs tucked beneath the full rounded body, the tail flicked to one side, and the head half turned towards the left. The head is carved in high relief with a broad mouth, ruyi-shaped nostrils and bulging eyes. It has long ridged horns laid back on the humped neck above large ears, muscles indicated by three incised lines between the horns and the back, and underside showing the carved limbs with incised hooves. The stone is of an even white tone with pale specks to areas on the base.

Provenance: The collection of the Hon. Mrs. Soames, 1966
John Sparks Ltd., London, 1966.

Note: 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.

Compare with an Imperial inscribed white jade example in the Andrew K.F. Lee Collection, illustrated in the exhibition Virtuous Treasures - Chinese Jades for the Scholar's Table, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, 2007, Catalogue, p. 168. pl. 95; another greenish white jade example with a boy on the buffalo's back and of slightly smaller size is in the collection of the Beijing Art Museum, illustrated in Jade, Gems of Beijing Cultural Relics Series, Beijing, 2002, p. 190, pl. 221.

Examples of large white jade buffalo include one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 October 2000, lot 692. An exceptionally large Imperial white jade buffalo from the Dutch Nolthenius family was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 December 2009, lot 2009.