Miniature Figure of Dog
11th century-12th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Small ceramic figures, similar to the animals pictured, were a popular product of the kiln site Guantai in China between the years 950-1150. Figurines such as this might have been used for play, but have also been found in tombs.
Guantai was an important kiln in the manufacture of Cizhou ware, a type of ceramic made in the northern part of China during the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). Cizhou was a popular ware, meaning that it was made not for the imperial household or elite connoisseurs, but ordinary people. This meant that Cizhou kilns produced a great variety of shapes, forms and decorations, such as these toy figures.
Guantai was an important kiln in the manufacture of Cizhou ware, a type of ceramic made in the northern part of China during the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). Cizhou was a popular ware, meaning that it was made not for the imperial household or elite connoisseurs, but ordinary people. This meant that Cizhou kilns produced a great variety of shapes, forms and decorations, such as these toy figures.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Stoneware, glazed |
Brief description | Miniature figure of dog, glazed stoneware, Cizhou ware, China, Jin dynasty, 11th-12th century |
Physical description | Cizhou ware miniature figure of a dog wearing a collar, its head slightly turned to its right. Body covered with a greenish white glaze, with details highlighted in dark brown. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Credit line | Given by J.S.T. Audley |
Object history | Given by Mr. J. S. T. Audley, accessioned in 1910. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | Small ceramic figures, similar to the animals pictured, were a popular product of the kiln site Guantai in China between the years 950-1150. Figurines such as this might have been used for play, but have also been found in tombs. Guantai was an important kiln in the manufacture of Cizhou ware, a type of ceramic made in the northern part of China during the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). Cizhou was a popular ware, meaning that it was made not for the imperial household or elite connoisseurs, but ordinary people. This meant that Cizhou kilns produced a great variety of shapes, forms and decorations, such as these toy figures. |
Bibliographic reference | Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London:V&A Publications, 2004. p. 75, no. 75. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.210-1910 |
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Record created | June 20, 2005 |
Record URL |
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