Tang Dynasty, Circa 618 – 906 AD A cast mingqi terracotta sculpture, shown seated upright on a square base, with large muscular forepaws together, depicted with large convex bulging eyes under heavy eyebrows, rounded muzzle, his back hunched, alert, and ready to spring up and soar to the service of the deceased in the afterlife. In Ancient China, terracotta statuettes of animals and human figures, known in Chinese as mingqi would have been placed in the tombs of the deceased to ensure companionship and service in the afterlife. Terracotta images of dogs were popular in Han and Tang graves, since the dog was believed to be a loyal companion for the deceased. In this case, the dog has been portrayed with fearsome features, act to evil spirits within the tomb, thereby protecting the deceased at rest for an eternal afterlife. For another example of a guardian dog, but earlier, see Christie’s, lot 1377, 14 September 2012. Size: L:(with stand) 150mm / W:87mm ; (with stand) 190g. Provenance: Ex: Rhode Island collection, most of which was collected in the 1990s-early 2000s.