$956.25
In stock
East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. An alert dog with a strong, protective stance and a fierce disposition, made from baked terracotta. His sturdy legs support his barrel-shaped body, that has a circular vent on the underside. He has a tense energy, with a curved tail that lays against his haunches, and perky ears. This guardian pup most likely belonged to an elite individual worthy of such devout protection! Size: 15.3″ L x 7.3″ W x 11.2″ H (38.9 cm x 18.5 cm x 28.4 cm)
Han Dynasty sculptors recreated various breeds of dogs in their artwork, and this example is a chow dog, who are often shown with harnesses and collars because they were used to pull small sleighs. During the Han Dynasty, such ceramic dog statues were used as a tomb guardians to protect the master’s grave. All Han Dynasty pottery dogs were formed by two-part molds. Once the main form was attained, details such as eyebrows and whiskers were added. We see more dogs appearing in the later Han period, frequently in tombs. This is most likely because during this period the landed gentry lived on large estates and needed dogs to keep guard. The dog also makes an appearance on jade carvings of hounds during the Han Dynasty; hence, dogs apparently were cherished as a status symbol.
Condition: Professionally repaired and restored; all done very well and difficult to notice. Some nicks, pitting, and abrasions to surface, as well as a few minor chips, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice earthen deposits in areas.
Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection; ex-Jui Hwa Upshur collection, before 1980
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