Details

Object type

dog figure

Place Associated

China (place of manufacture)

Date

Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 220 AD

Materials

earthenware with a lead glaze

Dimensions

overall: 320 mm x 375 mm x 135 mm 6507 g

Description

Dogs, known in Chinese as quan (犬), played an important role in ancient Chinese society. Dogs were associated with hunting from very early times and were the earliest animals domesticated in China.

The model of a dog on display in the Burrell Collection is a tomb guardian, known in Chinese as tianquan (田犬) or watchdog, in protective stance, head alert with legs squarely set, ears pricked up and eyes staring angrily. Its alert stance suggests that it is in a position of defence, perhaps guarding someone or something from the threat of harm. A double harness modelled out of earthenware, decorated with oval lozenges which are perhaps representative of cowry shells, has been strapped around both the waist and neck of the dog and attached together with a loop ring at the nape of the neck which accentuates the dog’s muscular strength. In real life the harness would have been made of leather with a metal ring.

This animated ceramic dog is a classic example of the Han sculptural tradition. Its brick red body is carefully crafted, with detailing of the tail, ribs and toes. The hollowed body is almost entirely covered in a green glaze which has developed a silver iridescence. It has been formed using in a two-part mould and a sharp utensil has been employed to incise the features of the dog such as the whiskers and eyebrows. Lead glaze was mixed with the moist clay and fired at 850-950 °C.

Sir William Burrell purchased this object from Hans M. Calmann for £ 70 in 1938. Interesting variations and similarities associated with this piece are illustrated in: Aileen Lau, Spirit of Han: Ceramics for the Afterlife, Southeast Asian Ceramic Society, 1991. A very similar one is illustrated in Treasures from The Shanghai Museum, 1990.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: Chinese Pottery [Stoneware, Porcelain]

ID Number

38.57

Location

Burrell Collection