Bull

Realistically rendered pottery oxen have been found in Chinese burial sites dating back to the 6th century, often with an oxcart to convey the deceased to their next destination. Silver and gold were precious metals not commonly used until the Tang dynasty, under the influence of objects arriving from areas west of China via the Silk Road. The exact function of this exquisite bull remains a mystery, and its lavish use of silver is rare. The body was hammered out from a flat sheet of silver. The horns, dewlap, and other protruding details were soldered on.

Silver with chased and repoussé decoration

8 x 3 1/2 in. (20.32 x 8.89 cm)

L.: 9 1/4 in.

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

42.6

Photo: iocolor, LLP

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistoryPortland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, "Gift to a City: Masterworks from the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum", cat. # 31.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

Published ReferencesFuller, Richard E. Seattle Art Museum. Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 1946, p. 16

"Gift to a City" exhibition catalogue. Portland, OR: Portland Art Museum, 1965, cat. no. 31

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