Han Dynasty Mingqi Dog Statuette

£ 895.00

A finely modelled Chinese Han Dynasty hollow-moulded statuette of a dog, shown standing on all four legs and wearing a thick collar. The figure features a nice cream glaze, now partially disappeared. The dog is rendered in an extremely naturalistic manner, comprising raised and alert ears and staring eyes. This statuette testifies the high-quality level of terracotta production during the Han Dynasty period.

This product will require additional postage due to weight, after checkout.

Date: Circa 25- 220 AD
Period: Han Dynasty
Provenance: From the private collection of Desmond Morris, celebrated author and artist.
Condition: Professionally repaired. Loss of glaze.

In stock

Zoomorphic and anthropomorphic terracotta statuettes are known in Chinese as mingqi and were placed in tombs and graves to assist and entertain the deceased in the afterlife. Pottery images of dogs were popular in Han graves, since the dog was believed to be the best companion for the deceased.

To discover more about Chinese terracotta statuettes, please visit our relevant blog post: Terracotta Tomb Attendants

Weight 2500 g
Dimensions L 27.8 x H 29.4 cm
Country

Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Reference: For similar: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, item 1994.605.18

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