A Reclining Bovine Carved by Jade in Ming Dynasty

The jade sculpture measures 22 centimeters in length, 11 centimeters in width, and 7.8 centimeters in height. The jade exhibits a yellowish hue amidst its white color, gracefully resting upon a wooden carved pedestal. With an alert gaze, the sculpture tilts its head upward, its curved horns gently embraced by the curvature of its back. A sinuous, engraved line gracefully delineates the body from the head to the abdomen, depicting a robust and well-fed physique. Nestled beside its reclining form lies a small kirin. Uniquely, the sculpture originally featured a young shepherd boy, adorned with a straw hat, on its back, though it is now absent. The sculpture emanates an incredible lifelike quality, capturing the essence of its subject.