Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Court lady / polychrome terracotta funerary attendant - 25 cm
02
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Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,500
 | €50 |
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Han dynasty Chinese polychrome terracotta funerary court lady figure, standing with arms folded under wide sleeves and a V-neck band, measuring 25 cm high, 12 cm wide and 5 cm deep, with engobe and pigment remnants, acquired in 2008 from a private collection in Hong Kong with a prior owner from a gallery/antiquarian collection and authentic as original.
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Description from the seller
China – Han Dynasty. Court lady / funerary attendant terracotta polychrome figure, mingqi.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, representing a court lady or attendant standing. The figure adopts a frontal and serene posture, with arms folded and hands hidden beneath the wide sleeves at waist height. She wears a long tunic that descends to form a widened base, while the neckline is defined by a fine reddish band in the shape of a V.
The face, with soft features and a restrained expression, is framed by a dark coiffure, still clearly differentiated by traces of black pigment. The surface preserves abundant vestiges of white slip, as well as traces of red, black and gray pigments, especially visible on the clothing and hair.
The figure belongs to the mingqi tradition, funerary objects placed in the tombs of Chinese elites to symbolically reproduce in the beyond their domestic surroundings, entourage and servants. Tang female figures also constitute an important testimony of fashion and the sophisticated courtly culture of the period. The Met and Cleveland preserve very close examples of Tang ladies and funerary attendants with white slip and residual polychromy.
Material: terracotta with slip and remnants of polychromy.
Origin: China.
Period: Tang dynasty, probably c. 700–750 CE.
Measurements: 25.5 × 12.5 × 5 cm.
Condition: archaeological conservation, with general wear of the slip and polychromy, earthy deposits, abrasions, small surface losses and cracks typical of antiquity. The lower opening allows observing the hollow construction of the figure. Preserves a considerable amount of original pigmentation.
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 – Han Dynasty. Court lady / funerary attendant terracotta polychrome figure, mingqi.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, representing a court lady or attendant standing. The figure adopts a frontal and serene posture, with arms folded and hands hidden beneath the wide sleeves at waist height. She wears a long tunic that descends to form a widened base, while the neckline is defined by a fine reddish band in the shape of a V.
The face, with soft features and a restrained expression, is framed by a dark coiffure, still clearly differentiated by traces of black pigment. The surface preserves abundant vestiges of white slip, as well as traces of red, black and gray pigments, especially visible on the clothing and hair.
The figure belongs to the mingqi tradition, funerary objects placed in the tombs of Chinese elites to symbolically reproduce in the beyond their domestic surroundings, entourage and servants. Tang female figures also constitute an important testimony of fashion and the sophisticated courtly culture of the period. The Met and Cleveland preserve very close examples of Tang ladies and funerary attendants with white slip and residual polychromy.
Material: terracotta with slip and remnants of polychromy.
Origin: China.
Period: Tang dynasty, probably c. 700–750 CE.
Measurements: 25.5 × 12.5 × 5 cm.
Condition: archaeological conservation, with general wear of the slip and polychromy, earthy deposits, abrasions, small surface losses and cracks typical of antiquity. The lower opening allows observing the hollow construction of the figure. Preserves a considerable amount of original pigmentation.
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
Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Name of object
Court lady / polychrome terracotta funerary attendant
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.
