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Concern for a Water Buffalo

Concern for a Water Buffalo
Attributed to an Anonymous Artist
Sung Dynasty (960-1279)

 

  This work shows the story of Bing Ji, a prime minister of the Western Han. One day, while riding in his cart with attendants, they came across brawling people by the road. He continued without concern. He then came across a man with an water buffalo panting. He immediately stopped to ask how long they had been traveling. His attendants were puzzled as to why he was more concerned about an ox than injured people. He replied that fighting was a matter for local officials, but an ox panting in early spring (if not traveling for long) suggested unusual heat, which could have disastrous results for all. This muggy scene is rendered in ink and the drapery lines quiver. Although attributed to a Sung artist, it is probably by a later hand.

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