Jennifer Casler Price, curator of Asian, African, and Ancient American art, Kimbell Art Museum
Dogs are the oldest domesticated animal in China. They were bred as guardians, for transporting goods, for herding, hunting, and as regal companions. Dogs have been woven into Chinese cultural stories, depicted in various art forms, and included in burials. Among the vast array of Chinese mingqi (spirit goods) are charming and lively ceramic effigies of dogs, included as part of the tomb furnishings so that they may serve and protect their owners in the afterlife. This talk will explore the folklore and role of man’s best friend in Chinese art and culture.
These lectures, part of a continuing series, introduce the permanent collection and selected exhibitions on view at the Kimbell. They are free and open to the public.