A wonderful example of ancient clay artistry, this delightful dog effigy vessel was created in the Mexican state of Nayarit, located in the western region of the country. It was here that craftsmen developed a distinctive style of art called Chinesco, so named because of the clay figures characteristic facial features, which convey a vaguely oriental feeling. With a rounded body and tiny protrusions that represent legs, this stylized dog holds his head up in the center of his body, looking out at the world with a bemused smile on his face. Painted patterns on his body and face add an additional element of visual interest to his already intriguing form. At the same time, the highly burnished body of the rounded vessel allows for light to reflect off the smooth surface, impacting us with yet another lovely sensory experience. A delight to behold and a pleasure to touch, this ancient canine vessel continues to tug at the heartstrings, just as he did so many centuries ago.