HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)

Details

A MASSIVE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A HUNTING MASTIFF
HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)
The hound is shown seated on its haunches with a curly tail, the mouth open in a growl with fangs exposed and the ears pricked, and wearing a studded collar around its neck with a lead attached through a loop at the back.
38 in. (96.5 cm.) high

Provenance

Christie's New York, 16 September 1998, lot 329.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

Large mastiffs, such as the present example, have been found in tombs in Sichuan province. They are generally modeled in alert positions, either seated or standing upright. For related examples see Akiyama Terukazu et al., Arts of China: Neolithic Cultures to the Tang Dynasty - Recent Discoveries, Tokyo, 1968, nos. 304-307; Kaogu xuebao 1958:1, pp. 87-104, pl. IX; and Kaogu 1988:3, p. 223, fig. 6:7; and Kaogu 1997:4, p. 69, pl. 5:3.

The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. C198f77 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All