cowherd riding an ox is a celebrated motif seen in centuries of Chinese paintings
and sculptures, although what is not commonly comprehended is the spiritual message
in the symbolism. Equally so is this exceedingly well-carved little sculpture,
as it is far subtler than at first it appears: here a joyous cowherd climbing
on top of an ox, modeled in affable planes of rounded edges, high hand polished
to an unctuous mirror surface, which is in direct contrast to the ultra delicate
concentric hairworks swirling around the robust creature with head turned to lick
the rear hoof, culminating in an accurately observed natural and enlivened juxtaposition,
and enveloped in understated minute details that are extended into the underside.
The ox is inlaid with glass eyes and a section of its tail was professionally
restored. There is no other defect and is in very good condition.
this admirable little gem is depicting a scene in the Zen parable of spiritual
evolution, as outlined in Mahayana Sutra and Avatamsake Sutra, and told by the
twelfth century Sung Dynasty Buddhist master Kuoan Shihyuan (or Kakuan Shien),
who illustrated a series of ten ox-herding pictures, and wrote the accompanying
verses to depict the stages of practice leading to the enlightenment at which
Buddhism aims. This extraordinary carving depicting the sixth scene in the series:
Riding on the ox (Attaining enlightenment). Thus transcending the opposite, and
coming to realize the fundamental unity with the ultimate reality that encompasses
all phenomena, polarity, and distinctions.