Han Iron figure of an Ox

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) was the second imperial dynasty of China and one of the longest major dynasties in Chinese history. In modern terms of military and political power and cultural prestige, the Han Dynasty is currently considered to have rivalled its almost contemporary Roman Empire in the West. With only minor interruptions it lasted a span of over four centuries and was considered a golden age in Chinese history especially in arts, politics and technology. All subsequent Chinese dynasties looked back to the Han period as an inspiring model of a united empire and self- perpetuating government. Hollow-molded figurine of an ox with elongated horns, standing on its four legs on a frame, naturalistically represented, the elongated face with defined eyes, flanked by a pair of ears, of which one is missing. Oxen are a common depiction in Han period culture, as they were used for rice cultivation. The ox was therefore the practical choice for ritual sacrifices and temple offerings. – (RL.1077)