Reclining Bull
Unknown Artist
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); L. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
China · Tang dynasty (618–907)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1933
Accession Number
33.88
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Asian Art galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of, this petite *Reclining Bull*ivates with its serene pose and polished marble surface. Carved from marble during China's Tang dynasty (618–), the sculpture measures just 1¾ inches high, 1⅞ inches wide, and ¾ inches long—small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 3, it exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of an unknown artist from this vibrant era. The Tang dynasty marked a golden age of Chinese art and culture, blending influences from Central Asia through the Silk Road, resulting in li...