China, Qing dynasty, 19th century
Modeled as a boy playing the flute seated on the back of a buffalo, incised details.
17 cm high
Provenance: ambassador Gerardo Carante.
The motif of the young man playing the flute sitting on the back of a buffalo is a reference to a group of 11th-12th century Buddhist parables, according to which even simple activities like grazing oxen can lead to enlightenment.