Chinese Figurine Bronze Water Buffalo Marked Six Character Ming Xuande Late 20C

Chinese Bronze Water Buffalo Paperweight Xuande Six Character Mark Late 20th C

ITEM DETAILS

Inventory Code: INV4795

Object: Paperweight

Material: Bronze

Origin: China

Period: Xuande mark, later casting

Date: Late 20th Century

Decoration: Cast recumbent water buffalo with naturalistic modeling

Mark: Six character Xuande mark to base

MEASUREMENTS

Height: 0.8 in / 2.0 cm

Width: 3.2 in / 8.5 cm

Depth: 3.0 in / 7.6 cm

CONDITION

GOOD (4/5) – Age-related surface wear, oxidation, and an attractive dark brown patina with areas of verdigris. No major damage observed. Please review the photos carefully for more details.

DESCRIPTION

A solid cast Chinese bronze paperweight in the form of a recumbent water buffalo. The animal is simply yet effectively modeled with curved horns and a compact body. The underside bears a cast six character Xuande mark within a recessed panel, typical of later decorative bronzes. A pleasing desk accessory or display piece with a rich aged patina.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

The Xuande reign (1426-1435) is renowned for fine Chinese bronzes, and later craftsmen frequently reproduced Xuande marks as a tribute to these celebrated works. Late 20th Century bronze paperweights and decorative objects bearing Xuande marks are appreciated for their traditional forms and quality casting rather than as period Ming pieces.

NOTES

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. The Xuande mark should be regarded as an apocryphal reign mark and not an indication of Ming Dynasty manufacture.