Late 19th century / early 20th century South East Asian large hand carved floor sculpture in the form of a resting water buffalo with cloven feet tucked under gilded body, tail tucked to side, and head raised up with ears pulled back below ridged horns. Animal with calm facial expression and alert eyes. Unmarked.
Size  11.75" x  26 x 19 1/2 inches (30 x 66 x 49,5 cm.)
 
 Ther water buffalo is in a submissive position, his head turned to the side his body compact to the ground. On the side of his muzzle a small hole is carved to hold what appears to have been a rope or chain.  
His eyes are wide open his ears (that are detachable) stretched out horizontally his horns turned backwards tells us the animal has been recently tamed.
This is a reference to the 11th century Zen  parabole  codified into ten poems and drawings in the 12th century about a herdboy ’s search for his lost oxen. They describe the stages of a practitioner's progress toward enlightenment,and their return to society to enact wisdom and compassion.
 
This sculpture refers to  the 5th poem/drawing called the Taming of the Ox.  As seen  the carved and guilded buffalo was part of a public  altar or public representation  showing the path of enlightement. 
 
the gilding needs repair otherwise the sculpture is in good condition.