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Chinese Han Dynasty Terracotta Figyure of Shar Pei Dog - TL Tested

About the Item

A beautiful Chinese terracotta shar pei dog, crafted with remarkable skill and artistry, this magnificent Chinese pottery model of a seated Shar Pei dog showcases a seated canine in a forward-facing position, with an alert expression captured through the raised head and pricked-up ears. The dog is adorned with an elaborate harness and a collar, further accentuating the attention to detail in its creation. During the Han Dynasty, dog figures like this one held significant cultural and symbolic meanings. These pottery models were primarily created for funerary purposes, intended to serve as guardians and protectors in the afterlife. They were commonly placed in tombs as part of the burial rites, accompanying the deceased on their journey to the next world. The belief was that these guardian dogs would ward off evil spirits and provide protection for the individual in the afterlife. The inclusion of these guard dog figures in Han Dynasty funerary practices reflects the cultural beliefs and spiritual traditions of the time. The Han Dynasty, which spanned from 206 BC to AD 220, was characterised by a complex system of beliefs and rituals surrounding death and the afterlife. It was believed that the deceased required various provisions and protections in their journey to the afterlife, and the inclusion of symbolic objects such as the guard dog figures served as a means to fulfill these spiritual needs. In addition to their funerary function, dog figures like this pottery model also held symbolic significance within Han Dynasty society. Dogs were highly regarded for their loyalty, courage, and protective nature, and these qualities were attributed to the guardian role they played in the afterlife. The inclusion of such figures in burial contexts not only represented the practical need for protection but also symbolised the hope for a safe and secure passage into the next realm. Cf. The Indianapolis Museum of Art, Accession number 1999.2A-B. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, its TL certificate with the full report will also accompany this piece. Provenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.48 in (52 cm)Width: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Depth: 13.78 in (35 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Ca. 202 BC - AD 220
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: SAA-A5611stDibs: LU7093236957852
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