A finely modeled pottery ox from the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), standing four-square with its head slightly raised and mouth open in a lifelike expression. The figure is crafted with a strong, rounded body, carefully detailed horns curving upward, and incised lines defining the muzzle and facial features. A pair of modeled ears projects naturally, while traces of original pigment are visible across the surface, most notably in areas of red and black, adding to the figure’s vitality.

This ox is made from earthenware clay, shaped by hand and likely finished with molds for the body, then refined by carving and incision to emphasize details around the head and musculature. Once fired at a low temperature in an oxidizing kiln, artisans applied mineral pigments to enhance realism, remnants of which still remain today.
Figures of oxen were commonly placed in tombs as mingqi (“spirit goods”), reflecting the animal’s essential role in Han agriculture as a source of strength, endurance, and prosperity. In Chinese symbolism, the ox represented not only wealth and sustenance but also diligence and reliability, qualities prized in both life and the afterlife. As a funerary object, it would have served as a guarantor of abundance and stability for the tomb occupant.
This example, with its preserved form and traces of ancient color, offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and cultural values of early imperial China.

Age: Han Dynasty 206 BC - 220 AD