Description
Rare ancient Chinese BRONZE Dog or Mythological Creature
This is a rare, unusual and very early seated dog.
There is an amazing amount of detail and work on this little work of art.
It combined a realistic pose with an unusual dragon-like tail.
It looks very much like a dog and is nothing like the widely known Foo dogs.
Interestingly, this one looks a lot like the Han Dynasty terracotta dogs that are usually made showing the dog in a standing position. However, some Han Dynasty terracotta dogs that are rarer show the dog in a sitting and even a reclining position.
On really close inspection, you can see remnants of gold on the surface and this was most likely originally covered in gold/gilded.
We cannot find anything similar apart from a gilded bronze lion in the Victoria and Albert Museum and a seated terracotta dog dating from the Han Dynasty.
Not only are dogs a man’s best friend, but they are also the oldest domesticated animal in ancient China. Confirmed archaeological evidence suggest the earliest domesticated dog in China dates to approximately 9000 years ago. Dogs have been bred for many purposes including guarding, herding, and hunting.
Furthermore, according to the Chinese Zodiac:
“Dog people are reliable, loyal, faithful and honest with a keen sense of right and wrong and a desire to support the underdog. They can be very pessimistic, looking for all the bad things that might happen. This makes them anxious people who can also harbour irrational fears. They may be very stubborn and unyielding.”
The very unusual, ancient and rare piece measures: 70mm (L) x 70mm (H) x 30mm (W)
In amazing condition as shown with patina and wear that is commensurate with age and should be expected from an artifact of this period.
Please have a look at our other rare and unusual art and antiques.