Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. Two beautifully crafted ochre-coloured glazed terracotta dogs. The dogs are depicted sitting on their haunches, with their tails curled over their backs, heads heald high with their mouths slightly open as if smiling. The dogs’ tails are painted black and lightly textured to imitate long hair. The dogs ears are likewise painted black. The facial details including the eyes, nostrils, and mouths are carefully modelled. The dog is the eleventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents loyalty, kindness and courage. Excellent condition.Size: L:110mm / W:105mm ; 665g; Provenance: From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1990s.