Figure of a Dog
This glazed pottery figure depicts a dog with a menacing look, marked by its raised ears, staring eyes, and tightly clenched jaws. Its studded collar, a fashionable accessory of the time, suggests that the animal was a pet with a wealthy master. During the Han dynasty, it was common practice to bury pottery models of dogs in graves, in the belief that they would keep the deceased humans company in the afterlife.
Artwork Details
- 东汉 绿釉陶狗
- Title: Figure of a Dog
- Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Earthenware with dark green glaze
- Dimensions: H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); L. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Gift of Stanley Herzman, in memory of Adele Herzman, 1991
- Object Number: 1991.253.1
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
ca. 470–80
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dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
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1st–2nd century
Pakistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, possibly Takht-i-bahi monastery, ancient region of Gandhara
3rd century
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