Set Reminder2020-07-26 08:00:002020-07-26 08:00:00America/New_YorkBidsquareBidsquare : ART OF ASIA- FROM ANTIQUITY TO PRESENT DAY https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/apollo-art-auctions/art-of-asia--from-antiquity-to-present-day-5317 We are members of the BNTA (British Numismatic Trading Association) and the ALR (Art Loss Register). WE ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENTS IN ALL MAJOR CURRENCIES: BIDDERS CAN PAY IN USD, GBP AND EUR. NO RESERVE SALE IN-HOUSE PACKING AND WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FOR ALL LOTS.Apollo Art Auctions enquiries@apolloauctions.com
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty Ceramic Figures. Two beautifully crafted ochre-coloured glazed terracotta dogs. The dogs are depicted sitting on their haunches, with their tails curled over their backs, heads heald high with their mouths slightly open as if smiling. The dogs’ tails are painted black and lightly textured to imitate long hair. The dogs ears are likewise painted black. The facial details including the eyes, nostrils, and mouths are carefully modelled. The dog is the eleventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents loyalty, kindness and courage. Dogs also served as protectors of the household and livestock and would have been a valuable companion in the afterlife. Ceramic figures such as this item were important to a variety of cultures with afterlife beliefs which involved trials, travels, or an afterlife similar to that which was lived on earth. These animals, which are included as funerary offerings reflect the belief that assistance, luck and companionship would be helpful in overcoming the difficult environs of the afterlife. Excellent condition. Size: H:120mm / W:110mm ; 339g, Provenance: Property of a London Gallery, previously with Mr. M.P. Dannish collector; acquired in the 1990s