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Dog---A man's best friend through the ages
Pets in various forms
From the 7th century on dogs were found depicted as pets on unearthed relics,
appearing to play a role in the emotional world of their owners.
Many other minorities, such as the Manchurians, also regard the dog highly.
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A pottery figurine from the
tomb of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) Princess Yongtai features a dog
sitting on horseback behind the rider. The figurine in the Shaanxi History
Museum. |
In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the imperial court enforced strict codes on
rearing dogs as pets. The most valuable breeds were reserved only for the
royals.
Italian painter Giuseppe Castiglione (1688-1766, Chinese name Lang Shining),
who served emperors Kangxi,
Yongzheng
and Qianlong,
was said to have drawn 10 dogs in a colour painting that integrated both Western
and Chinese
painting skills.
However, a scroll
painting from the same period, kept at the Palace Museum, vividly features
nine pet dogs and was jointly painted by Huang Jiming and Li Tingliang. The dog
at the centre of the piece has two tiny horns on its head but whether this was
to honour this charming royal pet, or ridicule it is hotly debated till
today.
Editor: Cindy
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