Lot 573
Han Dynasty Pottery Dog Figure, Pricked Ears and Curled Tail
Han Dynasty Pottery Dog Figure, Pricked Ears and Curled Tail
Starting Bid: $800
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Asia, China, Han Dynasty., ca. 206 BCE - 220 CE. Earthenware hound stands foursquare, ears pricked and tail tightly curled, its vigilant stance evoking the steadfast guardians prized in early imperial China. Hand-modeled in terracotta molded in 2 sections then joined, the figure shows a sturdy chest, square muzzle, and stocky legs; a shallow band at the neck suggests a collar, while a subtle seam along the torso attests to its construction. Size: 14.75" Width x 10.5" H x 7" D (37.5 x 26.7 x 17.8cm).
Such dog figures belong to the corpus of mingqi - spirit goods placed in tombs to protect and provision the deceased in the afterlife - with closely related examples preserved in museum collections including the British Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The warm buff clay and restrained modeling emphasize function over finery, reflecting the practical role of kennel and courtyard dogs in Han society, here transformed into a faithful companion for eternity.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2025; ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired between 1985 and 2003
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Item #
202556
- Condition: Intact and excellent with no breaks or repairs.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |