This extremely rare object was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220) or possibly a little earlier, during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC). It is a solid cast iron ox and, of course, very heavy for its size, weighing 2.6 kg. There are localised areas of fairly heavy corrosion, although nothing serious, as well as limescale deposits on the lower body and legs.

Length 19 cm. Tapping three of the legs produces a fine ring, but not the fourth leg, suggesting it may have been broken and re-stuck, although the join cannot be seen with the naked eye. Fine condition.

See also the cast iron boar / pig from the same excavation that we are selling (our stock number M5525). 

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