A BRONZE 'BOY PLAYING THE FLUTE ON A BUFFALO' INCENSE BURNER
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.