A powerfully sculpted ancient Chinese Han Dynasty mythical beast, dating to 206 BC - 220 AD.
Of grey terracotta, this creature has an imposing sense of monumentality. Its face redolent with aggressive intensity, the animal is depicted with its head facing forward and mouth wide open, bearing its fearsome teeth. It stands upon short legs, yet the body itself is strong and powerfully modelled.
Fourperforations in the head and a single largeperforationon the back perhaps indicate insertions for wooden elements that are now lost.
Though of an unknown animal, this figure appears to be influenced by contemporary bronze working, particularly the large, dog like creatures depicted on the contemporary Chunyu bell handles. Whatever their original inspiration, the skill of the potter is clear, breathing life into the very fabric of the piece, and it stands as a wonderful example of ancient Chinese ming qi styles.
Length: 11 inches.
Height: 10 ½ inches.
Condition: Very good, wear to surface synonymous with an ancient artefact, unrestored.
Provenance:
Ex. private collection, sold as part of a prominent US collection of Chinese art at Doyle of New York.
Please note: This is a genuine ancient Chinese figure. This piece is offered for sale without reserve to promote our extensive selection of antiquities and ancient coins, currently available at our store: items are unconditionally guaranteed to be Authentic as described. For added security we offer a full money-back guarantee if a recognized authority disputes the authenticity of any object sold. We send paper invoices incorporating a signed certificate of authenticity and photograph of the item.Shipping
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