Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Trade Arts (2)

One of the best shiwan (shekwan) sculptures we've ever encountered, this large masterpiece displays the legendary Laozi riding an ox: Laozi means "old master". It is said that he mounted an ox and headed west, before leaving, the border guard asked if he would write down his ideas, which Laozi obliged to do, thus he wrote the Tao-te ching (Book of Changes)...

Antique Chinese tortoise shell box with inset carved ivory plaque. Measures 3" x 2.5" and 1.75" high.