The National Museum of China now has a wide range of canine-inspired artifacts on display to celebrate the Year of the Dog.
The National Museum of China now has a wide range of canine-inspired artifacts on display to celebrate the Year of the Dog.
The Dawenkou (大汶口) culture is a label archaeologists have given to a range of Neolithic communities of people living primarily in east China’s Shandong Province, but also appearing in Anhui, Henan and Jiangsu Provinces.
One such dog-shaped pitcher of the Dawenkou culture is on display at the National Museum of China to celebrate the Year of the Dog, which began on 16 February.
In traditional Chinese culture, the dog is a Zodiac sign that represents loyalty and brings happiness.
Dozens of other Spring Festival and dog related artifacts from the museum’s own collection are on display until March 30 2018.
“This is the first time that the National Museum of China has opened a Chinese zodiac-themed exhibition. It has attracted a large number of local and foreign tourists,” said a tour guide at the National Museum of China.
More than 100 pieces are displayed, made of various materials such as clay, jade, amber, bronze and porcelain. The exhibits also feature ink paintings about hunting in ancient China, accompanied by dogs.