C. 206 BC - 220 AD. Han dynasty. A hollow-formed terracotta rabbit figurine with a white pelt and coral-pink pigmentation on the nose and in the inner ears. The rabbit is depicted sitting back, on its haunches, with its forelegs on the belly, as if observing its surroundings. Its drooping ears indicates its relaxed attitude. In the Chinese tradition, the rabbit is the luckiest of animals and symbolises elegance, beauty and mercy. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. 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. Provenance: Private London collection of Asian Art; formerly in an old British collection. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. Size: L:280mm / W:200mm ; 2.6kg