Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Ceramic Ceramic bird-shaped figurine - 12 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Pair of ceramic bird-shaped figurines in Han dynasty style (c. 2nd century BCE–2nd century CE), Ancient Chinese culture, made of low-fired earthenware, 12 cm high and 11 cm wide, authentic Original/official, in Poor condition, acquired from a private collection in China in 1989, with a previous owner from China in 1986.
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Description from the seller
This is a pair of bird-shaped pottery figurines featuring an archaic aesthetic; their forms resemble ducks, geese, or other fowl. Crafted from low-fired earthenware with substantial bodies, the pieces display traces of burial—such as grayish-white encrustations and natural abrasion—alongside patches of exposed orange-red clay, collectively evoking a sense of antiquity and the passage of time. Rather than pursuing realistic detail, the design employs concise lines to capture the birds' forms, highlighting distinctive features such as rounded bellies, short legs, upturned tails, and long beaks—a style that is both rustic and characteristic of early pottery sculpture.
In terms of form and craftsmanship, these avian figurines resemble the funerary wares common from the Han through the Wei and Jin dynasties, reflecting the importance ancient people placed on poultry, scenes of daily life, and auspicious symbolism. Whether as items for an ancient pottery collection, study ornaments, or historical-style décor, they possess a unique, rustic beauty and a rich cultural atmosphere.
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 is a pair of bird-shaped pottery figurines featuring an archaic aesthetic; their forms resemble ducks, geese, or other fowl. Crafted from low-fired earthenware with substantial bodies, the pieces display traces of burial—such as grayish-white encrustations and natural abrasion—alongside patches of exposed orange-red clay, collectively evoking a sense of antiquity and the passage of time. Rather than pursuing realistic detail, the design employs concise lines to capture the birds' forms, highlighting distinctive features such as rounded bellies, short legs, upturned tails, and long beaks—a style that is both rustic and characteristic of early pottery sculpture.
In terms of form and craftsmanship, these avian figurines resemble the funerary wares common from the Han through the Wei and Jin dynasties, reflecting the importance ancient people placed on poultry, scenes of daily life, and auspicious symbolism. Whether as items for an ancient pottery collection, study ornaments, or historical-style décor, they possess a unique, rustic beauty and a rich cultural atmosphere.
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, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
Han Dynasty style, c. 2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE
Name of object
Ceramic bird-shaped figurine
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1989
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Poor
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
12 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
Width
11 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
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.
