清康熙 銅胎掐絲琺琅牧童水牛|Herdboy with Water Buffalo

Unknown

late 17th–early 18th century · Cloisonné, gilded bronze · Asian Art

Animal and human figures have been a popular trend in Chinese cloisonné production since the mid-eighteenth century. These lively depictions gave new dimension to this traditional art form and added a playful touch to upscale interior spaces. Here, the brown and white enamels successfully mimic a water buffalo’s skin, together with the gilded cloisons representing its hair. Gazing back, the buffalo seems to be enjoying the boy’s flute playing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th–early 18th century

Medium

Cloisonné, gilded bronze

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1930