Chinese Toggle Depicting Ox on Rocks

Glossy, twisted knot of animals, horns and limbs, pleased with its own tangle.

This carved wood toggle depicting an ox on rocks is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Chinese toggles were small carved counterweights for cords worn at the belt, and animal subjects set on rocks or bases were a common way to compose them. Compact, tightly composed carving of a horned animal curled over a second creature, with legs and horns looping through each other. The surface is smooth, deep red-brown, with a warm sheen and soft highlights on the curves. It is 1 inches wide, 1 deep and 2 high.

Knotted up in the best possible way, and quite proud.