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As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi
Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history
of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the
crops. Hunger and ethnic feuding ravaged the
population. Despite this unrest the arts
continued to flourish, as witnessed by this
extraordinary powerful representation of a bull.
The animal’s stance is assertive, with its four
legs positioned firmly on the corners of the
integral rectangular plinth. The head is raised,
with the mouth slightly ajar, as if warning off a
potential aggressor. The figurine is in excellent
condition with considerable traces of the original
red polychromy. The expertly modeled horns
create a striking silhouette, contrasting with the
sheer bulk of the bull’s body. There is
considerable attention to detail in the modelling.
Particularly striking is the elaborate harness with
medallions, used to shackle this powerful animal.
During this period sculptural effigies of
domesticated animals were often interred in the
tombs of the nobility and elite members of the
social hierarchy. Created in all media, these
sculptures accompanied the spirit of the
deceased into the afterlife. This bull effigy has
served its eternal purpose well. Today, it
continues to nourish our souls with its beauty
and grace.
- (DL.2079)
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