A Fine And Rare Model of A Hound. Qing Dynasty, Early Qianlong Period

naturalistically modelled seated with head raised and teeth bared, wearing a floral collar suspending fixed pendent tassles and a gilt bell, the coat picked out in shades of iron-red and black. 52.5cm., 20 3/4 in. Lot sold 46,850 GBP

PROVENANCE: John Sparks, London, 18th June 1984.

NOTE: While many smaller figures of hounds are known, large examples such as the present piece are rare. A related example, but wearing a red collar, was sold in our New York rooms, 20^th October 1989, lot 451, and again in our Monaco rooms, 29^th February 1992, lot 456; and two figures were sold at Christie's London, 19^th March 1979, lot 172, and again, 13^th October 1975, lot 83. See also a slightly larger figure with an opening on its back in the shape of a peach, sold in these rooms, 20^th November 1956, lot 78, and now in the Peabody Museum of Salem, illustrated in William S. Sargent, The Copeland Collection. Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Figures, Salem, 1991, pl. 63; and a pair of dogs with pomegranate-shaped openings sold in these rooms, 10^th June 1997, lot 242.

The dog is one of the six domestic animals of China and is considered a symbol of fidelity as it is in the West. A pair of dogs made of silver thought to have come from the Summer Palace, Beijing, suggests that it is highly likely that figures of hounds were not made solely for the export market (see Sargent, op. cit., p. 139).

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London.  Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com