The head is rounded, with minimal detailing of the beak, eyes, and comb. The neck is thick and solid, seamlessly transitioning into the body, which appears sturdy and compact, giving the figure a sense of stability.
The most prominent feature of the sculpture is the tail, which is slightly exaggerated in size. The tail arches upward in a broad curve, likely intended to balance the weight of the sculpture on both sides. This exaggerated form contributes to the visual stability of the piece and enhances the overall harmony of its design.
The surface of the sculpture shows signs of natural aging, with traces of green glaze that have oxidized over time, as a result of being buried for an extended period. This greenish patina adds a historical dimension to the piece, showcasing how the glaze has transformed naturally.
Period : Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)
Type : Animal statue
Medium : Green glazed pottery
Dimension : 14cm(Height) x 17cm(Diameter)
Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in late 1990s.
Condition : Good (Minor repair on the left hind leg's thigh)
Reference :
1) Sotheby's Hongkong 30 November 2017 - Chinese Art Including Selected Works Of Art From The T.Y. Chao Family Collection - Lot 302
(Price realised : 81,250 HKD / Type : related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/chinese-art-hk0754/lot.302.html
2) Asian Art Museum Sanfrancisco - Object number 2017.47 - Model of a rooster
(Type : Closely related)
https://searchcollection.asianart.org/objects/241/model-of-a-rooster
3) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Gift of the Guérin-van Oenen family, inv. 2018.289 - Funerary Statuette : Rooster
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/works/14723/
* Han Dynasty Pottery
Han Dynasty pottery, originating from one of China's most significant historical periods (202 BCE – 220 CE), is renowned for its technological and artistic achievements in ceramic production. These artifacts typically feature a distinctive green glaze, although other colors were also used. The pottery often includes intricate decorative motifs, such as animals, mythological figures, and geometric patterns.
The craftsmanship during the Han Dynasty was advanced, with pottery techniques that were innovative for the time. These pieces were not only utilitarian but also held ceremonial and symbolic significance. The shapes and designs of Han Dynasty pottery vary, including items like urns, vases, and figures, reflecting both the daily life and the spiritual beliefs of the period
