Ox Wall Art — Nielloa Artwork in 925 Silver, ZODIAC Collection, Chinese Zodiac Sign

A buffalo head, facing front and calm, with curved horns above a base of Baroque acanthus volutes: This wall art piece depicts the Chinese zodiac sign of the Buffalo, often referred to as the Ox in English. It is a gift for everyone born in a Year of the Buffalo, and for anyone looking for a lasting memento for the Chinese New Year.

At a glance

• Product: Silver wall art (object frame), ZODIAC line of the Nielloa collection
• Material: 925 sterling silver with hand-engraved niello
• Motif: Chinese zodiac sign Buffalo (Ox, 牛), head facing front with curved horns, on an acanthus volute base
• Frame: dark brown wooden frame with a narrow gold decorative trim inside
• Mat board: deep red velvet
• External dimensions: approx. L 145 × W 145 × D 17 mm
• Hallmark: yes

Material and craftsmanship

The 925 sterling silver relief depicts the buffalo head from the front: wide-open eyes, strong nostrils, a small chin tuft, and two horns sweeping outward. All the lines outlining the fur, the horns, and the scrollwork beneath are executed in hand-engraved niello. In this process, a dark alloy is fired into the hand-engraved lines, chemically and physically bonding with the silver—it is neither a lacquer nor a paint. A fine dot grid fills the space between the volutes, while the forehead and nose remain as smooth, calm silver surfaces. In this way, the head stands out sculpturally against the deep red velvet mat board, encased in a dark brown wooden frame with a narrow gold decorative trim.

This piece belongs to the ZODIAC line of the Nielloa collection, which we curate at SilberKosmos. It is crafted by the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, whose niello tradition dates back to the first written records in 1683.

The Buffalo in the Chinese zodiac

The Buffalo (Chinese 牛, niú) is the second of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. It follows the Rat and precedes the Tiger. Because 牛 in Chinese generally refers to cattle, you may encounter several names for the same sign in English: Buffalo, Ox, or Cow. They all refer to this second sign.

The years 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021 belong to the Buffalo, with the next occurring in 2033. The Chinese year begins with the New Year festival, which falls between late January and late February. Those born in January or February may therefore belong to the animal sign of the previous year. Checking the New Year calendar of the birth year will clarify this. In Chinese folk belief, the Buffalo is considered hardworking, patient, and reliable—an animal that carries heavy loads without losing its composure.

Usage and occasions

The most obvious occasion is a birth-year gift: those born in 1973, 1985, 1997, or 2009 receive their own zodiac sign in silver with this wall art—a birthday gift that finds its place on the wall. For a child born in 2021, it is the start of a gallery that can grow over the years.

A second occasion is the Chinese New Year, for which many give a sign as a gift for the new year. And because the buffalo head is compelling even without any astrological connection, the wall art is also suitable as a representative gift for people who appreciate silver art, perhaps for a company anniversary or as a token of gratitude for business partners. The frame with red velvet looks just as good in a study as it does above a chest of drawers in the living room.

All wall art pieces in the ZODIAC line share the same framing; the Tiger image, for instance, follows directly after the Buffalo in the zodiac: Tiger Wall Art. Those looking for several signs for a family can place them side-by-side to create a uniform wall display. You can find more signs and pieces in our overview of Chinese zodiac signs in silver, and suitable gifts for the festival under Chinese New Year gifts.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

For niello pieces like this, an engraving, such as a name or date, is possible upon review. You can add the engraving service fee directly to your shopping cart; afterward, we will check the feasibility and scope with the manufactory and confirm the wording with you. If the engraving is not possible, we will refund the fee. Upon request, we can also include a SilberVerse card (15 × 10 cm) with your order: a designed photo with your words for the occasion, free of charge.

Care

Treat the silver surface occasionally with a soft polishing cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners or direct contact with water. The niello lines gain contrast during polishing as the surrounding silver becomes brighter. The velvet and wooden frame are best kept in a dry, dust-free environment.

Frequently asked questions

Which years belong to the Buffalo?

Among others, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021; the next Buffalo year is 2033. The change of year is determined by the Chinese New Year, falling between late January and late February.

Is the motif a buffalo or an ox?

Both are translations of the same Chinese character 牛. The wall art shows the second animal of the Chinese zodiac, which is referred to as either the Buffalo or the Ox.

Is the wall art part of the Western zodiac with its monthly signs?

No. The motif represents the Chinese zodiac sign, which is based on the birth year, not the birth month.

Is the niello engraving a coating that can wear off?

No. Niello is not a coating, but a dark alloy that is fired into the engraved lines and bonds firmly with the silver. It does not wear off but gains contrast with every polish.

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