Figure thumbnail 1

Figure

Figure
early 8th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Figure with the head of a dog, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a dog, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleFigure (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip
Brief description
Figure with the head of a dog, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac, earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip, China, Tang dynasty, early 8th century
Physical description
Figure with the head of a dog, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a dog, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak.
Dimensions
  • Height: 19cm
  • Width: 5cm
  • Depth: 4.5cm
Style
Credit line
Given by Mr H. K. Burnet through the National Art-Collections Fund
Object history
Using animals as signs in the calendar system first appeared in the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and during the Sui and Tang dynasties the animals appeared in many forms in tombs. Each animal is believed to exercise an influence according to its own attributes over the hour, day or year appropriate to it.
Production
Label, 1994
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
C.103J-1929

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Record createdDecember 30, 2008
Record URL
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