Seated Han Dynasty Dog — Certificate Of Authenticity (tl)

Meticulous examination under ×10 magnification and raking light of a Chinese funerary terracotta statuette of a dog, dated to the Han dynasty. The animal sits in a tripod posture, with the hindquarters resting, forelegs upright, and the head proudly lifted. The mouth is slightly open, revealing the alignment of the teeth, while the upright ears show ancient wear at the tips. Around its neck, a beaded collar with cabochons and an oval chest pendant are finely modelled; across the back, a ribbon-like harness descends in a decorated strip.
The surface, of a warm orange-red hue enlivened with beige and yellow veils (remnants of ancient cold polychromy), displays micro-concretions, noble abrasions, and minor period chips — all consistent with a long funerary burial.

The QED thermoluminescence test (ref. QED2533/EC-0101), with samples taken beneath the muzzle, from the right thigh, and the right foreleg, indicates a last firing between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago (1σ) — fully consistent with the Han dynasty.
No repainting or filling detected: the piece retains its material integrity and complete archaeological authenticity.

Technical characteristics

• Object: Statuette of a seated dog

• Culture: Chinese

• Period: Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.)

• Material: Terracotta, modelled and cold-painted

• Dimensions: 320 × 315 × 160 mm

• Technique: Hand modelling and slip-joined assembly; oxidizing firing; residual cold polychromy visible in patches

• Condition: Good overall preservation; period wear on edges (ears, lips, claws), minor surface chipping, stable patina; no visible restoration; perfectly stable on its four supports

• Provenance: Ex Belgian private collection BH → Ex private collection GQ → Ex Galerie Arts et Civilisations (1998)

• Authenticity: QED thermoluminescence test (ref. QED2533/EC-0101) included + CECOA expert report (1998)

Historical context
During the Han dynasty, funerary mingqi (“spirit objects”) symbolically reconstructed the world of the deceased: architecture, attendants, and animals.
The dog, guardian of thresholds and loyal domestic companion, was placed in tombs to protect, watch, and ensure comfort in the afterlife.
Many examples preserve traces of paint or cold pigments, with collars, bells, or harnesses — markers of domestication and economic function (guarding, hunting, herding).
Han artisans favored compact, alert forms with frank and benevolent expressions, embodying the ethic of faithful protection central to the period’s funerary art.

Formal and material analysis

• Morphology & posture: Seated with upright forelegs and lowered haunches; dynamic profile with protruding muzzle and straight nasal bridge.

• Head & expression: Slightly open mouth showing incised teeth; outlined lips; upright ears; hollowed eye sockets once colored.

• Collar & harness: Beaded collar with evenly spaced cabochons; oval chest pendant and falling back strap — typical domestic features.

• Surface & patina: Brick-red tone modulated with yellow ochres and softened reds; even abrasions, micro-chipping, and stable mineral deposits; residual polychromy visible at the neck and chest.

• Modelling: Hand-modelled, with tool marks visible on muzzle and chest; subtle join seams; even firing.

• Scientific validation: QED TL test (ref. QED2533/EC-0101) – consistent curves; age range between 2,000 and 2,500 years (1σ).

Cultural significance
Through the strength of its form, the surviving polychromy, and the documentary richness of its domestic details (collar, harness), this statuette embodies the Han ideal of posthumous protection.
Supported by scientific dating and verified provenance, it stands as a museum-quality witness to imperial Chinese funerary practices, equally suited to an archaeological display or a collection of early Asian art.

Provenance & guarantees

• Provenance: Private collection, supported by certificate of authenticity.

• Authenticity: Certificate and expert documentation included.

• Sale: Conducted within a recognized network of certified antiquarians, validated by reference experts, in accordance with the highest professional standards of the art market.