18.5cm x 220 cm in size. Five Oxen (Chinese: ???), also known as Five Bulls, is a renowned Chinese ink and wash painting from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). It is widely regarded as one of the earliest surviving examples of Chinese animal painting and a masterpiece of classical Chinese art. Basic Information Artist: Traditionally attributed to Han Huang (??), a statesman and painter active during the mid-Tang Dynasty. However, some scholars debate the attribution, suggesting it might be a later copy or the work of an anonymous artist. Era: Mid-Tang Dynasty (approximately 8th century CE). Medium: Ink on paper (or silk, though the exact material is debated). Dimensions: Approximately 20.8 cm in height and 139.8 cm in width. Current Location: Housed in the Palace Museum (?????) in Beijing, China, where it is celebrated as a national treasure. Description of the Painting The artwork depicts five oxen in a horizontal scroll, each shown in a distinct pose and temperament, reflecting the artist’s keen observation of rural life. From left to right: First Ox: Standing calmly, facing left, with a rope around its neck. Second Ox: Walking forward, lowering its head to graze, exuding a sense of vitality. Third Ox: Pausing to rest, turning its head to look back, with a gentle and relaxed expression. Fourth Ox: Standing upright, looking alert, with a slightly tense posture. Fifth Ox: Kneeling on the ground, seemingly resting or preparing to rise, with a rope hanging loosely from its horn. The oxen are painted with meticulous brushwork, using thick ink lines to outline their robust bodies and subtle shading to convey texture and volume. Notably, there is no background in the painting, drawing all focus to the oxen themselves—a characteristic of Tang Dynasty animal paintings that emphasizes the subjects’ individuality and presence. Cultural and Historical Significance Symbolism of Oxen: In Chinese culture, oxen symbolize diligence, endurance, and agricultural prosperity. As key labor animals in ancient agrarian society, they represented the foundation of the economy and were often celebrated in art to honor rural life and hard work. Artistic Innovation: Five Oxen showcases the Tang Dynasty’s mastery of realistic animal painting. Unlike later scholarly art that favored abstraction, this work prioritizes lifelike representation, capturing the oxen’s physical details and personalities with remarkable precision. Historical Record: The painting provides valuable insights into Tang Dynasty agriculture, livestock, and social customs. The varied accessories on the oxen (such as ropes and halters) reflect contemporary farming practices. Legacy and Influence Survival and Restoration: The scroll has endured centuries of history, including wars and political upheavals. It was lost during the late Qing Dynasty but rediscovered in the 20th century and later acquired by the Chinese government. In the 1950s, it underwent careful restoration to preserve its integrity. Influence on Later Art: The painting inspired countless artists in subsequent dynasties, particularly in the genre of animal and landscape painting. Its focus on realism and emotional depth remains a benchmark for classical Chinese art. Five Oxen continues to be admired for its technical excellence, cultural resonance, and historical value, standing as a testament to China’s rich artistic heritage.