Ancient Chinese, Wei Dynasty Ceramic Zoomorphic Figurine






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Ancient Chinese Wei Dynasty ceramic zoomorphic figurine of a canine or feline creature (L 10 cm, H 3.5 cm) with possible vessel or whistle function, in Good condition, acquired in 2000 from the C. Roger Moss OBE collection (previous owner from a private collection).
Description from the seller
A finely modelled Chinese ceramic figurine, depicting a canine or a feline creature, possibly a stylised dog. The creature features an ovoid reclining body with paws folded underneath, and a large head with an elongated snout. The musculature and fur of the creature are depicted in detail in low relief. One end of the figurine features a small perforation, suggesting that the piece might have served as a vessel (e.g. water dropper) or even a form of a musical instrument (e.g. a whistle). Earthly encrustations throughout. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips to reverse and pitting to the surface.
Imperial guardian lion statues, also named lion dogs or foo dogs, have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, residences of government officials and affluent individuals as they were believed to bestow powerful protective benefits. They were also extensively employed in other artistic contexts, for example on door-knockers, pottery, or on other utensils.
Measurements: L 10cm x H 3.5cm
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection.
Seller's Story
A finely modelled Chinese ceramic figurine, depicting a canine or a feline creature, possibly a stylised dog. The creature features an ovoid reclining body with paws folded underneath, and a large head with an elongated snout. The musculature and fur of the creature are depicted in detail in low relief. One end of the figurine features a small perforation, suggesting that the piece might have served as a vessel (e.g. water dropper) or even a form of a musical instrument (e.g. a whistle). Earthly encrustations throughout. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips to reverse and pitting to the surface.
Imperial guardian lion statues, also named lion dogs or foo dogs, have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, residences of government officials and affluent individuals as they were believed to bestow powerful protective benefits. They were also extensively employed in other artistic contexts, for example on door-knockers, pottery, or on other utensils.
Measurements: L 10cm x H 3.5cm
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection.
Seller's Story
Details
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
