Important Ancient Chinese Zodiac collection ten figures each holding a zodiac attribute, Ming Dynasty 1368-1644. Superb quality.

Includes the sought after -Year of the Dog- the zodiac sign for 2018.

Each of these tomb figures holds a different animal from the zodiac. Zodiacs included are: dogt, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, sheep, monkey, rooster, and pig or boar. These correspond to the earthly branches and are infrequently found in wealthy tombs of the elite and wealthy ancient Ming Chinese.

The statues each hold a different animal and are dressed in long gowns with long sleeves, their hands folded in front of their chests caressing one of the celestial animals of the zodiac. They are beautifully glazed- a superior feature not often found on these works of art and representative of an important tomb which deserved highest quality pottery representations.

These figures are extremely detailed and highly glazed in turquoise, dark cobalt blue, and highlighted in red and white cold painted pigments. Most of the original colors remain in tact. The zodiac figures were often placed in a north-south direction in coffin chambers to represent the progress of time. People hoped that such an arrangement would encourage the gods to visit and to guard the tomb.

Dimension: eight inches tall

Condition: Handmade and hand glazed. Superb quality, all figures are original and intact with finely preserved glazes and pigments.

Provenance: Old European collection originally acquired in Hong Kong 1990s and legally imported into the USA.

Guarantee: Our figures are guaranteed to be crafted during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A thermoluminescence TL report sampling accurately confirms age of these sculptures from 500-600 years ago

History:
The Ming dynasty then known as the Empire of the Great Ming ruled China for 276 years (1368–1644) following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. This dynasty has been described as “one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” and was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese.

The English word zodiac derives from zodiacus, the Latin form of the Ancient Greek zoidiakòs kýklos , meaning circle of little animals. Zoidion is the diminutive of zoion . The name reflects the prominence of animals among the zodiac signs. The zodiac is divisions employed by western astrology and (formerly) astronomy. The western zodiac is centered upon the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. The paths of the moon and visible planets also remain close to the ecliptic, within the belt of the zodiac, which extends 8-9° north or south of the ecliptic, as measured in celestial latitude. Because the divisions are regular, they do not correspond exactly to the boundaries of the twelve constellations after which they are named.

Our gallery based in Shelburne, Vermont USA has been dealing in authentic Chinese antiquities and Fine art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to China, Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.