Watch List notes:

Late Ming Dynasty ca. 16th Century AD. The statue depicts the famous founder of Taoism Lao Tzu who wrote the Tao Te Ching in the 6th century BC a classic of ancient Chinese philosophy. The sage is represented in traditional form bald and bearded holding a scroll and sitting atop his ox. The piece is a wonderful example of the fine fluid artwork created for the elite and educated class in ancient China as opposed to the rougher and stiff popular forms of sculpture. The sculpture is in excellent condition with a typical black to brown Ming patina. L. 10 1/4" H. 8" (26 cm x 20 cm).
($12500)