Bidspirit auction | FIVE CHINESE POTTERY MODELS OF

FIVE CHINESE POTTERY MODELS OF COCKERELS, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC - 220 AD) - Modelled standing on a sturdy base, their heads raised with rounded beaks and upright combs, the wings, arched tails and feathers incised with parallel lines. Height 16 cm. Condition: two with minor repair. Cockerels and hens frequently appear in Han tombs in conjunction with models of farmyards, wells and harvesting tools, denoting the agricultural basis of Han society. Calling to the sun every morning, roosters are symbolic of the sun, yang principle for masculinity and strength, and are associated with benevolence. When occurring in pairs, roosters denote high rank, forming the visual pun for 'May you achieve rank upon rank'.