CHINA, HAN DYANSTY POTTERY FIGURE OF BLACK DOG - TL TESTED

Ca. 206 BC - 220 AD. Attractive Han dynasty terracotta dog. A hollow-formed terracotta dog in a cream fabric with a black painted topcoat and coral-red details in the inner ears, eyes and lips and on the harness which runs around its chest and neck. The dog is a small breed creature similar to a modern Chongqing (Chinese bulldog), featuring short legs, a squat body, a small, curled tail, a compressed snout and large, triangular ears. The dog’s features have been carefully modelled and carefully incised detail is visible, especially around the eyes, snout and paws. It stands on all fours in an alert position and sniffs the air, as if engaged in a hunt. The dog occupies the 11th place in the Chinese Zodiac and is associated with loyalty and honesty. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. Excellent condition. Comes fully authenticated with a TL test from Ralf Kotalla laboratory, Germany. Size: L:415mm / W:365mm ; 4.3kg. Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.