Ox Herding

In Zen Buddhist tradition, Ox herding is a metaphor for a spiritual journey. Famous in China and Japan, the Ten Oxherding Pictures are used as illustrations to describe the path from ignorance to awakening, using the imagery of a wandering person who is searching for and eventually finding his or her  true nature.

  • A metallic globe sculpture with a textured surface, mounted on a stand in an outdoor setting with grassy terrain and a partly cloudy sky.

    Seeking the Ox

    Wandering on desolate plains; Believing we are only material beings searching ceaselessly for the way.

  • An outdoor sculpture consisting of intertwined metal wires forming a spherical shape, mounted on a metal pole on a concrete base with a plaque. Small solar panels are positioned on either side of the base. The background shows a street, trees, and a house with a blue sky and some clouds.

    Finding the Ox's tracks

    Discovering all paths lead to the self; Still undiscovered lies the way; Hope now accompanies the pursuit.

  • A spherical sculpture made of dark, feather-like metal pieces mounted on a metal pole, situated on a concrete base in an outdoor garden with a gravel pathway, surrounded by grass and plants, under a blue sky with some clouds.

    First glimpse of the Ox

    Creation Equally blesses all existence; Look inside and see what seems hidden but is always present.

  • A promotional graphic with the words 'Coming Soon' and 'Rikoon Studio' on a background divided into white and dark gray sections.

    Catching the Ox

  • A graphic with the words "Coming Soon" and "Rikoon Studio" underneath, featuring a two-tone background in white and dark gray.

    Taming the Ox

  • Coming soon sign for Rikoons Studio with a minimalist design, divided into a white top half and dark bottom half.

    Riding the Ox home

  • Graphic with white and dark gray sections and text 'COMING SOON' and 'RIKOON STUDIO'.

    Ox forgotten, Self alone

  • Sculpture of a rusty, abstract, spherical shape with multiple rings on a pedestal, located outdoors with a natural landscape and blue sky in the background.

    Both Ox and Self forgotten

    The Ox has disappeared; Inside and outside are the same. No memories or plans are needed.

  • A sculpture of stacked concentric circles on a pedestal outdoors, with a plaque and a large flat stone base, surrounded by desert plants and flowers.

    Returning to the source

    Circles remain unbroken; Centered in endless progression, manifesting our return to the source of all beings.

  • The 10th person - Entering the market place

Text panel titled "The Ox Herding Series" explaining the Zen/Buddhism concept of ox herding as a metaphor for spiritual development, with a circular graphic representing the ox and the journey.

Each sculpture emerges from a drawing, gradually evolving from lines on paper into a living form.

  • An ink drawing of the first sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Seeking the Ox".

    Seeking the Ox

  • An ink drawing of the second sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Finding the Ox's Tracks".

    Finding the Ox's tracks

  • An ink drawing of the Third sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "First Glimpse of the Ox".

    First Glimpse of the Ox

  • A ink drawing of the fourth sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Catching the Ox".

    Catching the Ox

  • An ink drawing of the fith sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Taming the Ox".

    Taming the Ox

  • An ink drawing of the sixth sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Riding the Ox Home".

    Riding the Ox home

  • Sketch of the seventh sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Ox Forgotten, Self Alone".

    Ox forgotten, Self alone

  • Hand-drawn sketch ofthe eighth sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Both Ox and Self Forgotten".

    Both ox and Self forgotten

  • A detailed sketch of the ninth sculpture in the Ox Herding series titled "Returning to the Source".

    Returning to the Source

  • Hand-drawn diagram of circles arranged vertically and horizontally on a sheet of paper.

    The 10th Person -entering the market place

Maquette’s

These maquettes are small-scale studies of my Ox Hering sculpture series, capturing strength and movement in a collectible form. Each piece reflects the essence of the larger works, highlighting the interplay between structure and gesture.

Finding the Ox's tracks Finding the Ox's tracks
Finding the Ox's tracks
$3,000.00

This small-scale maquette of Finding the Ox's tracks from the Ox Herding series depicts the continued journey of self-discovery and discipline. Rich in detail, it captures the essence of the original artwork, symbolizing focus, persistence, and the deepening of understanding. Ideal for collectors, meditation spaces, or display on a desk or shelf, this maquette offers a tangible connection to a profound spiritual tradition.

Seeking the Ox Seeking the Ox
Seeking the Ox
$3,000.00

This small-scale maquette of Seeking the Ox from the Ox Herding series captures the beginning of the spiritual journey in stunning miniature form. Every detail reflects the essence of the original artwork, inviting contemplation of the path toward self-discovery and enlightenment. Perfect for collectors, meditation spaces, or display on a desk or shelf, this maquette brings a tactile connection to a timeless artistic and philosophical tradition.

First Glimpse of the Ox First Glimpse of the Ox
First Glimpse of the Ox
$3,000.00

This small-scale maquette of First Glimpse of the Ox from the Ox Herding series captures the stage of deepening awareness and harmony between self and the world. Meticulously detailed, it reflects the essence of the original artwork, symbolizing clarity, focus, and spiritual insight. Perfect for collectors, meditation spaces, or display on a desk or shelf, this maquette provides a tangible connection to a timeless journey of self-realization.

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Catching the Ox Catching the Ox
Catching the Ox
$3,000.00

This small-scale maquette of Catching the Ox from the Ox Herding series symbolizes the pivotal moment of grasping control over the wandering mind. Intricately detailed, it reflects the discipline, struggle, and determination required on the path toward self-mastery. Ideal for collectors, meditation spaces, or personal study, this maquette offers a tangible connection to one of the most meaningful stages of the Ox Herding journey.