Bidspirit auction | Tang Dynasty, Sancai Ox

Tang Dynasty, Sancai Ox - This ox stands firmly on a rectangular flat base, with four sturdy legs, a robust and powerfully built body, and a humped back resembling that of a zebu. The muscular contours are full and rounded, conveying a strong sense of physical presence. The head is slightly lowered, with pricked ears, wide round eyes, broad nostrils, and a square muzzle, projecting a gentle, honest, and endearing expression. The neck is incised with layered folds in a concise yet vivid manner, adding a touch of naturalistic charm. The entire figure is predominantly covered in a rich amber-yellow glaze of intense color, lustrous, thick, and translucent. Patches of emerald green are splashed across the back and flanks, where the green and amber glazes naturally blend and flow into one another, creating a brilliantly variegated and dynamic surface. The glaze pools to deeper, more saturated tones where it has dripped and accumulated, fully displaying the exuberant, free-flowing character typical of Tang sancai wares. The four hooves and rectangular base reveal the unglazed body of pinkish-white, relatively porous clay, consistent with the technical features of Tang Dynasty pottery sculpture. The overall modeling is vivid and lifelike, with harmonious proportions and dazzling glaze colors that radiate the bold, magnificent spirit of Tang ceramic art.