Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Polychrome terracotta female figure, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). With invoice - 31 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,700 - € 3,300
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Polychrome terracotta funerary figure from China of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), depicting a likely female court attendant, about 31 cm high, 20 cm wide and 16 cm deep, in good condition, original authenticity, acquired from a gallery/antiquarian in 2006 with a prior owner from a private collection and sold with invoice.
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Description from the seller
Female figure in polychrome terracotta
China, Han Dynasty
Interesting Chinese funerary figure made of molded and polychromed terracotta, probably representing a lady or court servant, conceived within the mingqi tradition, objects deposited in tombs to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure presents a very stylized frontal silhouette, with the body wrapped in a long garment that partially hides the limbs and ends in a wide base designed to provide stability. The hands appear joined in front of the body beneath the tunic.
Particularly striking is the preservation of remnants of polychromy, mainly in reddish, gray, black, and whitish tones, visible on both the face and the clothing.
At the back, the hairstyle is especially notable for its gathered style, a detail that adds iconographic interest and likely allows interpreting the figure as female.
The simplified treatment of the face, frontal presentation, the volume of the dress, and the arrangement of the hands find parallels among funerary figures made during the Han Dynasty, although the chronological attribution should be considered provisional in the absence of specific scientific documentation.
Measurements
30 × 14 × 18 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Proposed dating
China, possibly Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Condition
Wear, erosion, concretions, abrasions and superficial losses of polychromy in line with the archaeological nature of the piece. Possible ancient consolidations or restorations.
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.
Female figure in polychrome terracotta
China, Han Dynasty
Interesting Chinese funerary figure made of molded and polychromed terracotta, probably representing a lady or court servant, conceived within the mingqi tradition, objects deposited in tombs to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure presents a very stylized frontal silhouette, with the body wrapped in a long garment that partially hides the limbs and ends in a wide base designed to provide stability. The hands appear joined in front of the body beneath the tunic.
Particularly striking is the preservation of remnants of polychromy, mainly in reddish, gray, black, and whitish tones, visible on both the face and the clothing.
At the back, the hairstyle is especially notable for its gathered style, a detail that adds iconographic interest and likely allows interpreting the figure as female.
The simplified treatment of the face, frontal presentation, the volume of the dress, and the arrangement of the hands find parallels among funerary figures made during the Han Dynasty, although the chronological attribution should be considered provisional in the absence of specific scientific documentation.
Measurements
30 × 14 × 18 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Proposed dating
China, possibly Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Condition
Wear, erosion, concretions, abrasions and superficial losses of polychromy in line with the archaeological nature of the piece. Possible ancient consolidations or restorations.
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, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
200 ac
Name of object
Polychrome terracotta female figure, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). 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
31 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
20 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
16 cm
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.
