China - Chariot And Harnessed Ox - Wei Dynasty

Terracotta cart from the Wei period, sculpted representation of a vehicle used as a funerary object. It consists of a platform on which stands a covered cart, supported by finely modeled spoked wheels on which stands a sculpted hub, typical of the period. The front of the cart and the hubs have a beautiful dotted painted decoration. The harnessed ox pulling the cart is sculpted with precise details: the head, the body, the legs, as well as the harness, including bridles, harnesses. The color purple, in ancient Chinese culture, was associated with nobility, power and wealth, which could indicate that this object had a special meaning or was intended for a person of high rank. Origin: China. Period: Wei Dynasty (420 - 581). Dimensions: Height: 26 cm; Length: 37 cm; Width: 21 cm. Conditions: Very good general condition. Provenance: Former French private collection. Terracotta objects depicting vehicles, such as carts pulled by oxen or other animals, were common in ancient China, particularly to accompany the deceased to the afterlife. The Wei dynasty, which followed the Three Kingdoms period, left numerous terracotta remains illustrating daily life, religion, and funerary practices. The depiction of a harnessed ox indicates the importance of agriculture and animal labor in the society of the time.