Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Pair of Fat ladies (both with Oxford TL test) - 39.5 cm
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€ 2,000
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 18,000 - € 22,000
 | €2,000 |
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Pair of Tang dynasty terracotta funerary figures, polychromed, depicting two elegant ladies at heights of 39 cm and 33 cm, with two Oxford Authentication TL certificates, from China, acquired in 2007, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Important pair of terracotta figurines in polychrome glaze, from the Tang dynasty court ladies. China, 618–907 AD. With Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence certificates
Exceptional pair of funerary figures (mingqi) made in molded and polychrome terracotta, depicting two elegant ladies of the imperial court during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), one of the periods of greatest artistic and cultural splendor in Chinese history.
The sculptures display the most characteristic features of Tang statuary: serene facial expressions, rosy cheeks, delicate almond-shaped eyes, elaborate voluminous hairstyles, and wide garments decorated with floral and vegetal motifs, preserving notable traces of their original polychromy applied over a white engobe. The quality of modeling and the naturalness of the poses reflect the refinement achieved by the imperial workshops of the era.
The first figure represents a lady with a high hairstyle and a slightly inclined attitude, with the right hand extended in an elegant ceremonial gesture. The second wears an elaborate aristocratic headpiece of double volume and appears with sleeves gathered at the chest, following the classical iconography of Tang noblewomen.
Measurements:
* Lady with high coiffure: 39 cm in height.
* Lady with double headpiece: 33 cm in height.
Both pieces retain a magnificent archaeological patina, mineral deposits and surface wear fully compatible with their age, as well as significant traces of the original painted decoration.
The set is accompanied by two individual thermoluminescence (TL) analysis certificates issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd. (reports C107c52 and C107c53, dated February 2, 2007). The analyses, performed on samples taken from the head and garments, conclude that the last firing took place between 900 and 1,500 years ago, a result stated as consistent with manufacture during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), providing solid scientific support for its authenticity.
Dynasty: Tang (618–907 AD).
Material: Molded and polychromed terracotta.
Provenance: China.
Height: 39 cm and 33 cm.
Certification: Two original thermoluminescence reports from Oxford Authentication Ltd. (2007), one for each figure.
Condition: Very good for archaeological pieces of this chronology, with partial loss of polychromy, mineral incrustations, and surface wear typical of prolonged burial.
Note: The first photo is AI-generated from the original photos and may have slight differences. See the rest of the photos for the real appearance.
Important pair of terracotta figurines in polychrome glaze, from the Tang dynasty court ladies. China, 618–907 AD. With Oxford Authentication thermoluminescence certificates
Exceptional pair of funerary figures (mingqi) made in molded and polychrome terracotta, depicting two elegant ladies of the imperial court during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), one of the periods of greatest artistic and cultural splendor in Chinese history.
The sculptures display the most characteristic features of Tang statuary: serene facial expressions, rosy cheeks, delicate almond-shaped eyes, elaborate voluminous hairstyles, and wide garments decorated with floral and vegetal motifs, preserving notable traces of their original polychromy applied over a white engobe. The quality of modeling and the naturalness of the poses reflect the refinement achieved by the imperial workshops of the era.
The first figure represents a lady with a high hairstyle and a slightly inclined attitude, with the right hand extended in an elegant ceremonial gesture. The second wears an elaborate aristocratic headpiece of double volume and appears with sleeves gathered at the chest, following the classical iconography of Tang noblewomen.
Measurements:
* Lady with high coiffure: 39 cm in height.
* Lady with double headpiece: 33 cm in height.
Both pieces retain a magnificent archaeological patina, mineral deposits and surface wear fully compatible with their age, as well as significant traces of the original painted decoration.
The set is accompanied by two individual thermoluminescence (TL) analysis certificates issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd. (reports C107c52 and C107c53, dated February 2, 2007). The analyses, performed on samples taken from the head and garments, conclude that the last firing took place between 900 and 1,500 years ago, a result stated as consistent with manufacture during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), providing solid scientific support for its authenticity.
Dynasty: Tang (618–907 AD).
Material: Molded and polychromed terracotta.
Provenance: China.
Height: 39 cm and 33 cm.
Certification: Two original thermoluminescence reports from Oxford Authentication Ltd. (2007), one for each figure.
Condition: Very good for archaeological pieces of this chronology, with partial loss of polychromy, mineral incrustations, and surface wear typical of prolonged burial.
Note: The first photo is AI-generated from the original photos and may have slight differences. See the rest of the photos for the real appearance.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
Tang dynasty (618 - 907 A.D. )
Name of object
Pair of Fat ladies (both with Oxford TL test)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2007
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
39.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2007
Width
11 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
9.7 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
