A large and fine Chinese celadon jade carving of a water buffalo 18th/early19th century

A large and fine Chinese celadon jade carving of a water buffalo 18th/early19th century, recumbent with its head turned to sinister and with a small boy clambering upon his back, holding a tether in one hand and some leafy stems in the other, the hooves crisply carved and tucked neatly beneath the body, 17cm. Cf. R. Keverne, Jade, p.158, fig.76 for a related group of a buffalo and boy. The water buffalo is a symbol of the coming of Spring with abundance, and together with a boy on its back it symbolises the harvest and fertility.