Ancient Chinese Terracotta Three figures - 14 cm
Open for bids in 33min
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 300 - € 380
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Description from the seller
Lot of 3 terracotta figurines, Tang dynasty and later
The Tang Dynasty (618-960) is generally regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese civilization and ushered in a long period of prosperity, peace and stability. Most of the sancai pottery was produced as grave goods (minqi). Around the capital Chang’an there were several large workshops dedicated to the production of such figures. In the graves of high-ranking individuals, pottery of all sizes and kinds was interred. Thus there were figures intended to guard the tomb against malevolent spirits from the underworld and figures to placate the gods. These three funerary figures depict a dancer, a butcher, and a dog.
Condition report: These figurines show no visible signs of damage and are in good condition.
Provenance: This figure was part of a private collection from Ghent consisting of several similar figures that, according to the owners’ inventory, were purchased from various traders in Belgium and France between May 2001 and August 2011. Purchased from an auction house in the Ghent region in 2025,
Dimensions:
Height: 14.50 cm (the butcher figure)
Height: 13.50 cm (the dog figure)
Height: 12.00 cm (the dancer figure)
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.
Lot of 3 terracotta figurines, Tang dynasty and later
The Tang Dynasty (618-960) is generally regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese civilization and ushered in a long period of prosperity, peace and stability. Most of the sancai pottery was produced as grave goods (minqi). Around the capital Chang’an there were several large workshops dedicated to the production of such figures. In the graves of high-ranking individuals, pottery of all sizes and kinds was interred. Thus there were figures intended to guard the tomb against malevolent spirits from the underworld and figures to placate the gods. These three funerary figures depict a dancer, a butcher, and a dog.
Condition report: These figurines show no visible signs of damage and are in good condition.
Provenance: This figure was part of a private collection from Ghent consisting of several similar figures that, according to the owners’ inventory, were purchased from various traders in Belgium and France between May 2001 and August 2011. Purchased from an auction house in the Ghent region in 2025,
Dimensions:
Height: 14.50 cm (the butcher figure)
Height: 13.50 cm (the dog figure)
Height: 12.00 cm (the dancer figure)
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
Century/timeframe
Tang Dynasty and later periods
Name of object
Three figures
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
14 cm
Width
8 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
8 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
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.
