Han period glazed terracotta figure of a dog, 206 BCE - 220 CE
Terracotta
27.9 x 25.4 cm
11 x 10 in
11 x 10 in
TF.028
Further images
The Han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD). Spanning over four centuries, the Han period is considered a golden age in Chinese history, as to...
The Han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD).
Spanning over four centuries, the Han period is considered a golden age in Chinese history, as to this day, China's majority ethnic group refers to itself as the "Han people" and the Chinese script is referred to as "Han characters". The large dog stands four-square, ears pricked up, head raised as if looking up to its master, barking. This figure was made from a two part mould and hand finished, with particular attention paid to rendering the eyes, ears and mouth. It has a wonderful abstract quality, much typical of Han period art in reducing figures to their mere essence.
Chinese believed that the afterlife was very similar and a continuation of this world. Therefore, they wanted to be accompanied even in the underworld by objects that would maintain their social status and the life-style to which they were accustomed. Animals were extremely popular and such figurines show the importance of raising and keeping pets in ancient China.
Spanning over four centuries, the Han period is considered a golden age in Chinese history, as to this day, China's majority ethnic group refers to itself as the "Han people" and the Chinese script is referred to as "Han characters". The large dog stands four-square, ears pricked up, head raised as if looking up to its master, barking. This figure was made from a two part mould and hand finished, with particular attention paid to rendering the eyes, ears and mouth. It has a wonderful abstract quality, much typical of Han period art in reducing figures to their mere essence.
Chinese believed that the afterlife was very similar and a continuation of this world. Therefore, they wanted to be accompanied even in the underworld by objects that would maintain their social status and the life-style to which they were accustomed. Animals were extremely popular and such figurines show the importance of raising and keeping pets in ancient China.