Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi) - 25 cm
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€ 260
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,000
 | €260 |
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Tang dynasty terracotta mingqi funerary figure of an assistant or court lady, standing with a long robe and preserved polychrome remnants, hollow construction, 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm, archaeological surface wear with pigment remains, acquired in 2008 from Hong Kong from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. Terracotta funerary figure, polychrome mingqi, female.
Elegant standing female figure made in molded terracotta and originally polychromed, probably representing a court lady or retainer, conceived as funerary adornment to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure appears upright, with deliberately stylized proportions, dressed in a long robe that descends to form a wide base. The vertical folds of the dress provide rhythm and verticality to the composition, while the arms remain folded against the body in a restrained, ceremonial stance.
Notably the distinctive high hairstyle, formed by two bulky side buns, an element associated with the sophisticated female fashions at the Tang court during this period. The face, oval and with a serene expression, preserves interesting traces of the original pictorial decoration, visible mainly in the eyebrows and eyes outlined in black, as well as traces of red and pink pigment on the features.
The surface retains abundant earthy deposits and concretions, in addition to scattered remnants of polychromy on the dress, giving the piece a powerful archaeological presence.
The construction is hollow, clearly visible from the lower opening, a customary procedure in the production of Tang funerary figures. This type of sculpture, known as mingqi, was deposited in the tombs of wealthy members to symbolically recreate their entourage, servants and everyday surroundings in the afterlife.
Material: terracotta with remnants of polychromy.
Cultural origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Dimensions: 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm.
Conservation status: archaeological condition, with generalized surface wear and polychromy, earth deposits, cracks and fissures visible, especially in the neck area, shoulders and base. Preserves important traces of ancient pigment. See detailed photographs.
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.
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. Terracotta funerary figure, polychrome mingqi, female.
Elegant standing female figure made in molded terracotta and originally polychromed, probably representing a court lady or retainer, conceived as funerary adornment to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure appears upright, with deliberately stylized proportions, dressed in a long robe that descends to form a wide base. The vertical folds of the dress provide rhythm and verticality to the composition, while the arms remain folded against the body in a restrained, ceremonial stance.
Notably the distinctive high hairstyle, formed by two bulky side buns, an element associated with the sophisticated female fashions at the Tang court during this period. The face, oval and with a serene expression, preserves interesting traces of the original pictorial decoration, visible mainly in the eyebrows and eyes outlined in black, as well as traces of red and pink pigment on the features.
The surface retains abundant earthy deposits and concretions, in addition to scattered remnants of polychromy on the dress, giving the piece a powerful archaeological presence.
The construction is hollow, clearly visible from the lower opening, a customary procedure in the production of Tang funerary figures. This type of sculpture, known as mingqi, was deposited in the tombs of wealthy members to symbolically recreate their entourage, servants and everyday surroundings in the afterlife.
Material: terracotta with remnants of polychromy.
Cultural origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Dimensions: 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm.
Conservation status: archaeological condition, with generalized surface wear and polychromy, earth deposits, cracks and fissures visible, especially in the neck area, shoulders and base. Preserves important traces of ancient pigment. See detailed photographs.
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
SVI
Name of object
Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
25 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
12 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
5 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.
