Anyone Interested In Asian Art?

[e46s54dr]

Hi everyone, Ive had this piece in my family for quite some time and Im curious if anyone could identify it or give me anymore information on it. Possibly even translate the text carved on it also? I know its a shot in the dark but its worth a try.

I start by describing the piece. Its an ivory carving of an Ox with a small boy on its back. Its roughly about 9 inches long and 4 inches tall. Its definitely real ivory because I tried the hot needle test on it and it passed. On the back has a carving which seems to be either some sort of text or even a signature?

I really love this piece and would like to know more about it for future discussions with my family and guest. Thanks in advance for any help.

[smooth]

My gf is chinese and she is sitting here. First off, this should be like this:


But unfortunately she said she's never seen anything like that in her life (and she's been around the world in a few places). She's never a statue like that before so she doesn't know the story behind it.

She can't read the writing because she didn't finish Chinese school but she thinks the writing is old style but she can't say for certain because someone could have just carved it in that style. But it's definitely using old style characters instead of the modern shortened ones.

The ox represents strength so the statue could relate to strength or protection of the family. Usually statues that are carved with letters like that are for that kind of purpose.
Sometimes it's not about the ox, sometimes a statue is just about bringing good fortune to the family.

[e46s54dr]

My gf is chinese and she is sitting here. First off, this should be like this:


But unfortunately she said she's never seen anything like that in her life (and she's been around the world in a few places). She's never a statue like that before so she doesn't know the story behind it.

She can't read the writing because she didn't finish Chinese school but she thinks the writing is old style but she can't say for certain because someone could have just carved it in that style. But it's definitely using old style characters instead of the modern shortened ones.

The ox represents strength so the statue could relate to strength or protection of the family. Usually statues that are carved with letters like that are for that kind of purpose.
Sometimes it's not about the ox, sometimes a statue is just about bringing good fortune to the family.

The script is classical chinese from what Ive been told. Ive had a hard time trying to get translated by local friends and family so I really need to take it to an art expert to authenticate it and translate it when I get a chance.

[glnr13]

from my drunk 2am chinese deduction, reading from top to bottom, right to left and arranged as smooth and his GF pointed out...
in this orientation:
41
52
63

1: too much, excessive, a lot, abundance
2: i dunno
3,4: kang hsi (he was a qing dynasty emporor)
5: era or years
6: i'm not sure, this one falls under lots of families as far as the root word goes and i can't figure it out.

[Mr. Tasty]

Japan y u so bad at art

[slammin.e28]

Take it to the Pawn Stars guys and get it examined fo' free.

[James21]

Take it to the Pawn Stars guys and get it examined fo' free.

LMAO! THIS!

My co-worker is Chinese I'll see if he knows what it says.

[Mr. Burns]

i'm German/Irish.

I collect Golden Chinese cat statues.

don't ask me how I got started.

[Desaevious]

Half chinese here so I've seen so much awesome shit. I was just in Malaysia for a month visiting family this past summer. Brought home a good amount of goodies!

[J3M93]

Take it to the Pawn Stars guys and get it examined fo' free.

Do you mind if i call a buddy of mine who's an expert in Chinese ivory ox statues? If he says its real we can work something out.

[e46s54dr]

I spoke with some people and they actually told me that the hot needle test is not a reliable test for ivory. I guess they make new types of acrylic where its heat proof and all. After closer inspection, I believe that this statue is just decorative and is not actually ivory.

Regardless, I think its cool looking and I still want to know what the text says.

[Desaevious]

I'll ask mom tomorrow. If its Mandarin/Cantonese/Hakka she'd know it.

[Joe G]

it says, ride the bull. Don't let it ride you.

[e46s54dr]

from my drunk 2am chinese deduction, reading from top to bottom, right to left and arranged as smooth and his GF pointed out...
in this orientation:
41
52
63

1: too much, excessive, a lot, abundance
2: i dunno
3,4: kang hsi (he was a qing dynasty emporor)
5: era or years
6: i'm not sure, this one falls under lots of families as far as the root word goes and i can't figure it out.

Thanks.:D