Chinese Han Style Figurine Depicting Dog

Curled tail, perked ears, and the bright expression of a dog who has heard the gate.

This Han style figurine depicting a dog is from China, and is terra cotta and pigment. Han dynasty tombs often included pottery dogs among the model animals and buildings placed for the afterlife, and later pieces made in the same style follow that sturdy, alert form. This dog stands four-square on short legs with rounded paws. The tail curls up over the back. A broad head, small ears and a grinning mouth give it a cheerful look. Traces of orange and white pigment remain over the buff clay. It is 11.25 inches wide and 9 high.

Guard dog in style, house dog in temperament.