Jade Buffalo Pendant. Asia. China, Song To Qing Dynasties.

The buffalo is depicted lying down with its four legs tucked under it; it is carved from grayish-brown jade. The carving is vigorous; the artist focused on the essentials. The animal is very expressive. Two holes were discreetly drilled behind the horns. These small pendants served several purposes: as protective amulets, objects for meditation, or accessories for belts or clothing. Some small, pierced jade pieces served as hanging elements to which other objects—such as Netsuke in Japan—could be attached. This small buffalo likely belonged to this category. In China, the water buffalo symbolizes peaceful strength, patience, stability, and prosperity. If its owner was a scholar, then owning this small animal might have signified a desire to distance oneself from official circles and lead a simple, peaceful, secluded life, far from the limelight. Depictions of buffaloes were highly prized during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. This buffalo, with its powerful and minimalist design, is in the Song style. However, it may have been copied during subsequent reigns. Length: 46 mm