The overextension of the labor force during the
Qin Dynasty would result in a popular uprising
against the empire. In 206 B.C., Liu Bang, a Qin
official, led an army composed of peasants and
some lower nobility to victory and established his
own Dynasty in place, the Han. However, unlike
the Qin, the Han would unify China and rule
virtually uncontested for over four hundred
years. It is during this time that much of what is
now considered to be Chinese culture was first
actualized. The bureaucracy started under the
Qin was now firmly established. The vast lands
of China were now under the firm grip of a
central authority. Confucianism became the
state ideology although the worship of Taoist
deity remained widespread, both among the
peasants and the aristocracy. Ancient histories
and texts were analyzed and rewritten to be
more objective while new legendary myths and
cultural epics were transcribed.
The Han era can also be characterized
as one of the greatest artistic outpourings in
Chinese history, easily on par with the glories of
their Western contemporaries, Greece and Rome.
Wealth pouring into China from trade along the
Silk Road initiated a period of unprecedented
luxury. Stunning bronze vessels were created,
decorated with elegant inlaid gold and silver
motifs. Jade carvings reached a new level of
technical brilliance. But perhaps the artistic
revival of the Han Dynasty is nowhere better
represented than in their sculptures and vessels
that were interred with deceased nobles. Called
mingqi, literally meaning “spirit articles,” these
works depicted a vast array of subject, from
warriors and horses to ovens and livestock,
which were buried alongside the dead for use in
the next world, reflecting the Chinese belief that
the afterlife was an extension of our earthy
existence. Thus, quite logically, the things we
require to sustain and nurture our bodies in this
life would be just as necessary in our next life.
The Han Dynasty, like the Zhou before it, is
divided into two distinct periods, the Western
Han (206 B.C.-9 A.D.) and the Eastern Han (23-
220 A.D.) with a brief interlude. Towards the
end of the Western period, a series of weak
emperors ruled the throne, controlled from
behind the scenes by Wang Mang and Huo
Guang, both relatives of empresses. They both
exerted enormous influence over the
government and when the last emperor suddenly
passed away, Mang became ruling advisor,
seizing this opportunity to declare his own
Dynasty, the Xin, or “New.” However, another
popular uprising began joined by the members
of the Liu clan, the family that ruled the Han
Dynasty, the Xin came to a quick end and the
Eastern Han was established in its place with its
capital at Loyang (Chang’an, the capital of the
Western Han, was completely destroyed).
However, even as Chinese influence spread
across Southeastern Asia into new lands, the
Eastern Han Dynasty was unable to recreate the
glories of the Western Period. In fact, this period
can be characterized by a bitter power struggle
amongst a group of five consortial clans. These
families sought to control the young, weak
emperors with their court influence. Yet, as the
emperors became distrustful of the rising power
of the clans, they relied upon their eunuchs to
defend them, often eliminating entire families at
a time. During the Western Han, the Emperor
was viewed as the center of the universe.
However, this philosophy slowly disintegrated
under the weak, vulnerable rulers of the Eastern
Han, leading many scholars and officials to
abandon the court. Eventually, the power of the
Han would completely erode, ending with its
dissolution and the beginning of the period
known as the “Three Kingdoms.”
This terracotta dog, with rare green-glazed
highlights, is a splendid example of mingqi,
literally translated as: “items for the next world.”
During the Hand Dynasty, the ancient Chinese
believed that the afterlife was an extension of
our earthly existence. Thus high-ranking
members of the social hierarchy were buried in
splendid tombs replete with replicas of their
daily lives rendered in all media. It is not
uncommon to find ornate dinner sets with
elegantly painted utensils, wine vessels, and food
storage containers. Sculpted replica of warriors
and guardians provided protection as musicians
and entertainers provided company. Likewise,
herds of domesticated animals were interred
alongside the deceased to serve as food sources
in the afterlife. Although it is possible that this
dog was entombed for consumption in the next
world, the studded collar and harness he wears
suggests otherwise. More likely, this dog was a
beloved companion who served his owner well
both on earth and beyond. His ears stand
upwards in attention, as if carefully guarding his
master throughout eternity. The heavy folds of
skin around the eyes and the curly tail, as well as
the general size and stature, suggest that this
dog may be an ancestor of the modern Chinese
Shar Pei breed. The rare green-glazed strokes
that highlight the sides and front of the dog may
represent a spotted, or “flowered,” coat.
Furthermore, these stokes may depict actual
spots on a specific dog, making this in essence a
portrait of the deceased’s faithful companion.
Although similar works were meant to serve as
food for the afterlife, the love and attention
dedicated to the creation of this stunning work
of art suggests that this dog is much more than
food. Instead, this beloved pet stands faithfully
by his master’s side throughout eternity.
