Accession Number2007/2.73
TitleDog
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date25-220 CEMedium & Supportearthenware with mineral paintDimensions 9 7/16 in x 4 5/16 in x 12 1/2 in (23.97 cm x 10.95 cm x 31.75 cm);9 7/16 in x 4 5/16 in x 12 1/2 in (23.97 cm x 10.95 cm x 31.75 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jiu-Hwa Lo UpshurSubject matterAlong with horses, birds, and other animals, dogs are also considered to be sacrificial animals in ancient China. By the Eastern Han Dynasty ceramic sculptures of dogs had become commonplace in tombs as
mingqi (明器), or grave goods for the afterlife. They were usually sculpted by hand, with close attention paid to the individualization of several different breeds.
Physical DescriptionA red earthenware dog sculpture. The dog is standing in attention, with a stocky body on four muscular legs, and long-fur tail flowing up at the hindquarters. Its head is atop a thick neck, and it has a smiling mouth with protruding tongue, deep-set large eyes and forward pointed bent ears. Its pupils are detailed in black. There are traces of black and white mineral pigment.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object TypesculptureAdditional Object Classification(s)CeramicCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Canis familiaris (species)
ceramic (material)
earthenware
grave goods
mineral pigment