Ca. 206 BC - 220 AD. Han dynasty. A hollow-formed terracotta tiger; the beast is depicted stalking on all fours with its mouth open as through growling. The tiger's face is incredibly detailed with its lips pulled back snarling, whiskers painted in thin black lines, blue eyes, and red details around the eyes, ears and tongue. In Chinese culture, Tigers are traditionally associated with kindness and benevolence. Tigers are considered to be the guardians of children, who wear shoes and hats with tiger designs to offer protection against evil spirits. This gorgeous object may therefore have been intended to provide spiritual protection to a child. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition. Size: L:205mm / W:430mm ; 3.4kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.