Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Pottery Statuette of a dog with Thermoluminescence test (TL) - 32 cm
14
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€ 20
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,300 - € 7,700
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 Bidder 6144 | €20 |
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Statuette of a dog from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), made of pottery, 320 mm high, 315 mm wide and 160 mm deep, in good condition, with Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory and CECOA expertise.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Statuette of a dog
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Han Dynasty
PERIOD: 206 B.C – 220 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 320 mm x 315 mm x 160 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory (Reference: QED2533/EC-0101) and Expertise of Chambre Europienne des Experts Conseil en Ouvres d’Art (CECOA), 1998
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, B.H., Ex G.Q. private collection, Ex Galerie Arts et Civilisations (1998)
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Export license, Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory (Reference: QED2533/EC-0101) and Expertise of Chambre Europienne des Experts Conseil en Ouvres d’Art (CECOA), 1998
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Statuettes of dogs from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) are a common type of tomb figurine, reflecting the close relationship between humans and animals in ancient Chinese society. These ceramic figures were often placed in tombs as part of the belief in an afterlife where the deceased would require the same comforts and protections as in life. Dogs, valued as guardians, hunters, and loyal companions, were symbolically included to offer security and companionship in the next world.
Most Han dog statuettes are made of earthenware, sometimes with a green lead-glaze known as “sancai” or cold-painted with pigments that have faded over time. They are typically depicted in a seated or standing posture, with pricked ears, alert expressions, and short, muscular bodies—features resembling the native Chinese breeds used for guarding homes and livestock. Some have collars or bells modeled around their necks, emphasizing their domesticated role.
These figures were not merely decorative but held symbolic and functional value. In Han cosmology, dogs were seen as protectors against evil spirits and intruders, both in the mortal world and beyond. Their inclusion in tombs suggests that they were considered essential to maintaining order and safety in the afterlife. This reflects a broader Han practice of burying tomb occupants with a full retinue of mingqi (明器), or “spirit objects,” which replicated elements of daily life.
The prevalence of dog statuettes also illustrates the Han Dynasty’s agricultural and domestic structure, where dogs were not only companions but integral to rural livelihoods.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Statuette of a dog
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Han Dynasty
PERIOD: 206 B.C – 220 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 320 mm x 315 mm x 160 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory (Reference: QED2533/EC-0101) and Expertise of Chambre Europienne des Experts Conseil en Ouvres d’Art (CECOA), 1998
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, B.H., Ex G.Q. private collection, Ex Galerie Arts et Civilisations (1998)
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Export license, Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory (Reference: QED2533/EC-0101) and Expertise of Chambre Europienne des Experts Conseil en Ouvres d’Art (CECOA), 1998
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Statuettes of dogs from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) are a common type of tomb figurine, reflecting the close relationship between humans and animals in ancient Chinese society. These ceramic figures were often placed in tombs as part of the belief in an afterlife where the deceased would require the same comforts and protections as in life. Dogs, valued as guardians, hunters, and loyal companions, were symbolically included to offer security and companionship in the next world.
Most Han dog statuettes are made of earthenware, sometimes with a green lead-glaze known as “sancai” or cold-painted with pigments that have faded over time. They are typically depicted in a seated or standing posture, with pricked ears, alert expressions, and short, muscular bodies—features resembling the native Chinese breeds used for guarding homes and livestock. Some have collars or bells modeled around their necks, emphasizing their domesticated role.
These figures were not merely decorative but held symbolic and functional value. In Han cosmology, dogs were seen as protectors against evil spirits and intruders, both in the mortal world and beyond. Their inclusion in tombs suggests that they were considered essential to maintaining order and safety in the afterlife. This reflects a broader Han practice of burying tomb occupants with a full retinue of mingqi (明器), or “spirit objects,” which replicated elements of daily life.
The prevalence of dog statuettes also illustrates the Han Dynasty’s agricultural and domestic structure, where dogs were not only companions but integral to rural livelihoods.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
206 B.C - 220 A.D
Name of object
Statuette of a dog with Thermoluminescence test (TL)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
32 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Width
31.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
16 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
