HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA HOUND - TL TESTED Ca. 202 BC - AD 220. An alert dog with a strong, protective stance and a fierce disposition, mould-made from baked terracotta. His sturdy legs support his barrel-shaped body that has a circular vent on the underside. He has a tense energy, with a curved tail that lays against his haunches, a prominent, arched spine, and a snarling jaw, all painted a warm hue of coral. A pair of perky ears caps his head, sitting above a round snout and incised, almond-shaped eyes, as a leash wraps around his thick neck. Size: L:545mm / W:360mm ; 4.23kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece has been precisely dated using a thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla. The report will accompany the lot.