Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Ceramic Polychrome-painted figure - 15 cm

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Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 500 - € 650
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Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty polychrome-painted standing ceramic figure, 15 cm high by 3.2 cm wide, dating to late 6th–9th century AD, with traces of turquoise-green and reddish-ochre pigment, in poor condition, authentic original.

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Description from the seller

This piece is a polychrome-painted standing figure, with a slender build and a dignified upright pose. The arms are drawn in front of the body, and the hem of the robe flares outward, creating a strong silhouette that feels distinctly archaic. The hair is arranged in a high bun; the modeling is simple and restrained, and the overall expression is calm and reserved. Traces of original pigment remain on the surface (in turquoise-green and reddish-ochre tones), together with earthen accretions and age-related weathering, resulting in natural layering and an attractively timeworn patina.

The base shows a hollow interior and finishing marks, a common construction feature for comparable tomb mingqi (funerary wares). In overall character, it aligns with a Sui–Tang tradition (style-based assessment).

Condition as shown in the photos: natural signs of age are present, including earthen accretions and areas of loss, minor chips, and surface wear consistent with time. Please refer to the actual photos for details.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

This piece is a polychrome-painted standing figure, with a slender build and a dignified upright pose. The arms are drawn in front of the body, and the hem of the robe flares outward, creating a strong silhouette that feels distinctly archaic. The hair is arranged in a high bun; the modeling is simple and restrained, and the overall expression is calm and reserved. Traces of original pigment remain on the surface (in turquoise-green and reddish-ochre tones), together with earthen accretions and age-related weathering, resulting in natural layering and an attractively timeworn patina.

The base shows a hollow interior and finishing marks, a common construction feature for comparable tomb mingqi (funerary wares). In overall character, it aligns with a Sui–Tang tradition (style-based assessment).

Condition as shown in the photos: natural signs of age are present, including earthen accretions and areas of loss, minor chips, and surface wear consistent with time. Please refer to the actual photos for details.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Details

Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
Late 6th century AD – 9th century AD
Name of object
Polychrome-painted figure
Acquired from
Gifted
Year acquired
1989
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Poor
Previous owner acquired from
Gifted
Height
15 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
Width
3.2 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
China
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Hong KongVerified
187
Objects sold
100%
Private

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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