Cleveland Museum of Art

Reclining Water Buffalo

Date

1642–1722

Medium

Jade

Culture

China, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Kangxi reign (1642-1722)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in non-official positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This jade buffalo illustrates the superb carving skills and the creative mind of its accomplished creator, who sought clients on a competitive market. This jade buffalo may have been used as a paperweight on a scholar's desk.

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