Man Buffalo and Calf Pillow

Painted in 1145 by the Song dynasty artist Li You, this work shows a herdboy tending a water buffalo and her calf beneath a tree, his pet myna bird perched nearby. Beyond its charm as a pastoral genre scene, the ox-herding subject carried real political weight in Chinese court culture: the water buffalo's uncomplaining labor in the fields was read as a metaphor for the loyal, self-effacing official, making paintings like this popular gifts within official circles. The intimate, observational detail reflects the naturalistic strengths of Song dynasty painting.

Jacquard-woven both sides in soft, durable yarn; insert included.