Ca. 202BC-220AD.A huge pottery model of a guard dog in a seated position, facing forwards with head alert and ears pricked up. The dog wears an elaborate red harness and a collar. The dog is the eleventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents loyalty, kindness and courage. Dogs also served as protectors of the household and livestock, as well as hunting companions, and protectors thereby playing an important role in day to day life.Size: L:510mm / W:190mm ; 6.6kgProvenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.