Buffalos and Herder Boys

13th century

Oxen paintings were popular in China and Japan. Possibly once part of a longer scroll with a hundred-oxen theme, this painting shows a pack of water buffalo cooling off in a river. Each beast is tended by a different herder, except for the calf following its mother. The scene represents an ideal society where families are diligently cared for and live together harmoniously. By the 13th century, oxen were often associated with “the common people” (min) in writings by Chinese scholar-officials as they offered political commentary. Pictures showing animals and their caretakers living in peace and prosperity indicated an exemplary ruler, whereas images of sickness or suffering might lament the state of the country.

Ink on paper

18 1/4 × 20 3/4in. (46.4 × 52.7cm)

Gift of Carol Padelford

2013.24.1

Provenance: Mrs. Donald E. Frederick, Seattle; upon her death, by inheritance to her granddaughter Carol Padelford, Seattle

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view July 16 - Dec. 5, 2021].

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