Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Camell and rider. With invoice - 73 cm

04
days
18
hours
24
minutes
44
seconds
Current bid
€ 1,000
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

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

Estimate  € 11,000 - € 14,000
FR
€1,000
DE
€1

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Description from the seller

Bactrian camel with rider

China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Terracotta with remnants of polychromy

Imposing Chinese funerary sculpture representing a two-humped Bactrian camel with a rider, attributed to the Tang Dynasty, one of the periods of greatest cultural and commercial splendor in the history of China.

Approximate measurements: 73 × 56 × 21 cm.

The camel is depicted with extraordinary expressive force, with the neck raised, the head projected forward and the mouth open, while the long mane is modeled with pronounced grooves. On top of the two humps sits the rider, dressed in a distinctive pointed headdress and accompanied by saddle elements and lateral panniers.

During the Tang period, Bactrian camels played a fundamental role in the caravans crossing the Silk Road, linking China with Central Asia and the West. For this reason they became one of the most emblematic motifs of Tang funerary art, associated with trade, prosperity, prestige and contact with foreign cultures.

The piece preserves an attractive archaeological surface, with traces of ancient pigments, deposits, abrasions and wear inherent to its nature and age, which lend great character to the whole.

Provenance

Chap Ku Tong, Hong Kong.
Acquired in 2008.

There is an original gallery invoice documenting the piece, where it is expressly described as:

“Tang pottery camel with rider.”

This documented provenance constitutes a particularly interesting element for its collection history.

Conservation status

Conservation status consistent with the age of an archaeological terracotta piece, with surface wear, loss of polychromy, deposits, small cracks and possible ancient interventions or consolidations. See the detailed photographs, which are an integral part of the description.

An especially decorative and collectible piece due to its great sculptural presence, expressive representation of the camel and its link to the fascinating Silk Road culture during the Tang Dynasty.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Bactrian camel with rider

China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Terracotta with remnants of polychromy

Imposing Chinese funerary sculpture representing a two-humped Bactrian camel with a rider, attributed to the Tang Dynasty, one of the periods of greatest cultural and commercial splendor in the history of China.

Approximate measurements: 73 × 56 × 21 cm.

The camel is depicted with extraordinary expressive force, with the neck raised, the head projected forward and the mouth open, while the long mane is modeled with pronounced grooves. On top of the two humps sits the rider, dressed in a distinctive pointed headdress and accompanied by saddle elements and lateral panniers.

During the Tang period, Bactrian camels played a fundamental role in the caravans crossing the Silk Road, linking China with Central Asia and the West. For this reason they became one of the most emblematic motifs of Tang funerary art, associated with trade, prosperity, prestige and contact with foreign cultures.

The piece preserves an attractive archaeological surface, with traces of ancient pigments, deposits, abrasions and wear inherent to its nature and age, which lend great character to the whole.

Provenance

Chap Ku Tong, Hong Kong.
Acquired in 2008.

There is an original gallery invoice documenting the piece, where it is expressly described as:

“Tang pottery camel with rider.”

This documented provenance constitutes a particularly interesting element for its collection history.

Conservation status

Conservation status consistent with the age of an archaeological terracotta piece, with surface wear, loss of polychromy, deposits, small cracks and possible ancient interventions or consolidations. See the detailed photographs, which are an integral part of the description.

An especially decorative and collectible piece due to its great sculptural presence, expressive representation of the camel and its link to the fascinating Silk Road culture during the Tang Dynasty.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 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
600-900 dc
Name of object
Camell and rider. With invoice
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2006
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
73 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
56 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
21 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
SpainVerified
40
Objects sold
77.78%
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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