Vintage Chinese Yunnan Bronze Cow Tiger Calf Sculpture Ban Tong Dian Culture

This heavy bronze-color sculpture is a 1970s–80s tourist replica of the famous Western Han Dynasty "Bronze Cow and Tiger" excavated at Lijiashan, Yunnan in 1972 – now a national treasure in the Yunnan Provincial Museum.

Details:

• Cast "ban tong" (speckled copper) with reddish-brown patina and natural green verdigris in crevices

• Design: large long-horned cow standing protectively, a tiny calf tucked in the hollow under her belly, and a stylized tiger clinging to her hindquarters biting her tail (see close-ups)

• Mounted on black stepped wood base with brass plaque (Chinese text intact)

• Approx size: 8" long x 3.5" wide x 7" tall.

What the Chinese plaque says (translation)

云南斑铜《铜牛虎案》简介

Introduction to the Yunnan Speckled-Copper "Bronze Cow-Tiger Case"

The speckled-copper "Cow-Tiger Case" is a replica of a cultural relic (Western Han Dynasty) unearthed in 1972 at Lijiashan, Yunnan. It is made using Yunnan’s unique ban tong (speckled copper) craft.

The cow’s belly is hollowed out and holds a small calf underneath. A fierce tiger bites the cow’s tail. The composition balances movement and stillness, and the mottled copper sparkles.

It truly embodies the charm of Dian culture, and is a treasured piece with artistic collectible value.

So: big cow (mother) + calf hidden under her belly + tiger biting the tail. In Dian culture it symbolizes the struggle of life, protection of the young, and the power of nature.