Chinese Carved Wood Water Buffalo and Boy Republic Era

A detailed Chinese Republic Era hardwood carving of a boy riding his water buffalo to the rice fields. I love the fine details such as the hair on the buffalo, his glass eyes, and the boy’s facial details.

 

A single chunk of a tropical hardwood has been expertly carved into a single work of art. The wood is heavy, dense, and has a reddish color. The boy holds a stick to control the water buffalo. The carving shows animation and depth. Both the boy and water buffalo have glass eyes. The carving rests flat on the four water buffalo hooves.

 

 

9 ½” (24.1 cm) long x 3 7/8” (9.8 cm) wide x 8” (20.3 cm) tall. Weighs 1 lb 10.5 oz (750 g)

 

 

One ear on the buffalo has been repaired and the tip of one horn is missing. There are no other cracks, breaks, or repairs.

 

A tour de force of the carver's art that has captured a moment of daily life.