Dog
Culture
Chinese
DateHan Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Mediumbaked clay
Dimensions13.6 x 17.8 cm (5 3/8 x 7 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Helen H. Lipner
Terms
Object number1972.27
Label TextA great number of wild and domestic animals were represented during the Han period, very often in pairs or groups. The greatest variety on animal types may however be found among the tomb sculpture. These were executed as substitutes for real animals which in earlier times (like their wives!) followed their dead masters into their tombs.
Our dogs' small ears, blunt muzzles, upturned noses and curly tails are characteristic of Han funerary dogs. Both these alert-looking dogs stand firmly planted on their four feet. The body and possibly also the tail, were mounted in two halves and joined along a seam running lengthwise from head to tail. Though partially obliterated, the seam is still visible on the exterior surface, a clearly visible on the interior surface through a large opening in the animal’s belly. The grey clay was originally covered with white paint; earthy encrustations are the result of a long burial. Of the fugitive pigments only traces remain.
Our two dogs can be recognized as the Chinese chow, which in South China were reared and eaten.On View
Not on view
