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Miniature Set Chinese Qing Dynasty Bronze Water Buffalo c.19th Century

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Description


Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Bronze Water Buffalo – Miniature Set c.19th Century

Charming miniature set of 2 Chinese bronze water buffalo / bull figures, solid cast and modelled in powerful, low charging poses with looped tails and ribbed horns. They are finished in a rich dark brown patina with olive tones and small areas of natural verdigris from age.
These pieces date to the late Qing dynasty dating to the late 19th century. The scale, casting and patina are consistent with period scholar’s desk bronzes, used as contemplative objects on a scholar’s table or in a cabinet of curiosities.
In Chinese culture the buffalo/ox symbolises strength, patience and agricultural prosperity, making these bronzes lovely symbols of perseverance and good fortune.

Dimensions (each)
Length: approx. 7.5 cm
Height: approx. 4.3 cm
Width: approx. 4 cm
Weights
Bull A: 142.44 g
Bull B: 145.34 g
(approx. 287.8 g total for the pair)

Period / Origin
China – late Qing dynasty, c. late 19th

Why you’ll love it
Real bronze, not modern resin – with a genuine aged patina and natural verdigris.
Miniature but powerful – only around 7.5 cm long, yet full of movement and character.
A true pair – designed to work together in dialogue, perfect on a desk or shelf.
Rich symbolism – the buffalo/ox stands for strength, hard work and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Easy to display – they sit solidly and look great from several angles, whether facing each other or side by side.

Collectors & context
Small Chinese bronzes like this were highly prized by Western collectors in the late 19th and early 20th century. Connoisseurs such as Charles Lang Freer in the USA and London collectors like A. W. Bahr and George Eumorfopoulos helped shape the major museum collections of Chinese bronzes we know today, while more recently Sir Joseph Hotung continued this tradition with important gifts to the British Museum. This miniature pair sits within that long tradition of appreciation for Chinese bronzes.

Provenance
From a private Eastern Shire collection.
Curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Acquired on the secondary market; earlier ownership not documented, as is common with small 19th bronzes.
Provenance and age are offered in good faith and represent my opinion only, based on visual inspection and comparison with similar documented pieces.

Condition
Good antique condition with expected age-related wear. Small scattered verdigris spots, minor rubbing to high points and light surface marks from handling. No obvious repairs or structural damage seen. Please note that, as with all antiques, some irregularities and signs of age are to be expected.

Worldwide Shipping
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Reserve: $904.00

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