Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei Terracotta Figure - 19 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
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Northern Wei Female Court Attendant, a terracotta figure from the 4th–6th century AD, 19 cm high with 5.5 cm width and 5.5 cm depth, showing traces of original polychromy and white slip in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Northern Wei Female Court Attendant – Northern Wei Dynasty – 4th to 6th Century AD
A finely modelled Northern Wei terracotta figure depicting a female court attendant standing in a dignified and formal pose. The figure wears long flowing robes with wide sleeves gathered before the body, reflecting the elegant costume traditions of the Northern Wei court. Her serene facial expression, carefully rendered features, and traces of the original polychrome decoration preserve the refined aesthetic associated with aristocratic funerary sculpture of the period.
The sculpture retains substantial remains of its original white slip and red pigment, particularly visible on the face, lips, and garments. Such figures were commonly placed in elite tombs to serve and accompany the deceased in the afterlife, illustrating the sophisticated funerary practices that flourished during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The elongated proportions, stylised drapery, and restrained expression are characteristic of Northern Wei artistic conventions and provide an excellent representation of early medieval Chinese ceramic art.
Material: Terracotta with traces of original polychromy
Dimensions: 19 × 5.5 × 5.5 cm
Weight: 267 g
Provenance: Acquired in France, from a French private collection formed in the 1970s.
All items come with CoA.
Northern Wei Female Court Attendant – Northern Wei Dynasty – 4th to 6th Century AD
A finely modelled Northern Wei terracotta figure depicting a female court attendant standing in a dignified and formal pose. The figure wears long flowing robes with wide sleeves gathered before the body, reflecting the elegant costume traditions of the Northern Wei court. Her serene facial expression, carefully rendered features, and traces of the original polychrome decoration preserve the refined aesthetic associated with aristocratic funerary sculpture of the period.
The sculpture retains substantial remains of its original white slip and red pigment, particularly visible on the face, lips, and garments. Such figures were commonly placed in elite tombs to serve and accompany the deceased in the afterlife, illustrating the sophisticated funerary practices that flourished during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The elongated proportions, stylised drapery, and restrained expression are characteristic of Northern Wei artistic conventions and provide an excellent representation of early medieval Chinese ceramic art.
Material: Terracotta with traces of original polychromy
Dimensions: 19 × 5.5 × 5.5 cm
Weight: 267 g
Provenance: Acquired in France, from a French private collection formed in the 1970s.
All items come with CoA.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Weight
267 g
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei
Century/timeframe
4th to 6th Century AD
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Country of origin
Unknown
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Height
19 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
5.5 cm
Depth
5.5 cm
Sold by
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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.
