Reclining Guard Dog In Terracotta, China - Han Dynasty (208 Bc - 220 Ad)
Ochre terracotta reclining guard dog, traces of slip. Han Dynasty, China (208 BC – 220 AD).
Dimensions: Height 35 cm, Length 48 cm. Condition: Good original condition, with natural wear. Authenticity: Expert appraisals and Oxford thermoluminescence test No. 4. Careful and secure shipping.
Rare ochre terracotta sculpture depicting a reclining guard dog, emblematic of Han Dynasty funerary art. The dog's robust and compact form underscores its role as a faithful guardian, protecting homes or tombs. The head, turned in profile, features a slightly open mouth with detailed sculpted teeth and a visible tongue, accentuating the realistic and dynamic expression. The ears are stylized, pointed, and slightly folded, illustrating vigilant attention. The body is adorned with a collar or harness decorated with raised ornaments resembling nails or buttons, a recurring feature in Han iconography, symbolizing power and domestication. The spiraled tail rests on the back, a common decorative motif used to enhance visual harmony. The surface displays a natural patina from age, with superficial cracks, scratches, and limescale deposits, attesting to its antiquity and authenticity.
The style lies between realism and stylization, typical of works from this period, combining careful observation of canine anatomy with an artistic treatment aimed at evoking symbolic qualities (courage, loyalty, protection). This terracotta dog also illustrates the mass production of funerary objects, common during the Han dynasty, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
The Han dynasty ruled China from 208 BCE to 220 CE. The Han dynasty, dating back to the 1st century BCE, is considered one of the most influential periods in Chinese history. This reign saw territorial expansion, the development of the Silk Road, and a major cultural and artistic flourishing. Han funerary art is characterized by terracotta sculptures depicting animals, figures, and everyday objects, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These works reflect the beliefs and society of the time, where guard dogs symbolize protection, loyalty, and vigilance.
Dimensions: Height 35 cm, Length 48 cm. Condition: Good original condition, with natural wear. Authenticity: Expert appraisals and Oxford thermoluminescence test No. 4. Careful and secure shipping.
Rare ochre terracotta sculpture depicting a reclining guard dog, emblematic of Han Dynasty funerary art. The dog's robust and compact form underscores its role as a faithful guardian, protecting homes or tombs. The head, turned in profile, features a slightly open mouth with detailed sculpted teeth and a visible tongue, accentuating the realistic and dynamic expression. The ears are stylized, pointed, and slightly folded, illustrating vigilant attention. The body is adorned with a collar or harness decorated with raised ornaments resembling nails or buttons, a recurring feature in Han iconography, symbolizing power and domestication. The spiraled tail rests on the back, a common decorative motif used to enhance visual harmony. The surface displays a natural patina from age, with superficial cracks, scratches, and limescale deposits, attesting to its antiquity and authenticity.
The style lies between realism and stylization, typical of works from this period, combining careful observation of canine anatomy with an artistic treatment aimed at evoking symbolic qualities (courage, loyalty, protection). This terracotta dog also illustrates the mass production of funerary objects, common during the Han dynasty, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
The Han dynasty ruled China from 208 BCE to 220 CE. The Han dynasty, dating back to the 1st century BCE, is considered one of the most influential periods in Chinese history. This reign saw territorial expansion, the development of the Silk Road, and a major cultural and artistic flourishing. Han funerary art is characterized by terracotta sculptures depicting animals, figures, and everyday objects, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These works reflect the beliefs and society of the time, where guard dogs symbolize protection, loyalty, and vigilance.
12 000 €
Period: Before 16th century
Style: Asian art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Terracotta
Length: 48 cm
Height: 35 cm
Reference (ID): 1771122
Availability: In stock
Print
