Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Terracotta Sancai-Glazed Dignitary / Attendant - 27.5 cm
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€ 150
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
 | €150 |
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Ancient Chinese Ming dynasty sancai-glazed terracotta dignitary/attendant, 27.5 cm high, from a French private collection, acquired in 2026 via an auction house.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Chinese Ming Dynasty Sancai-Style Glazed Dignitary – 14th to 17th Century AD
A finely modeled Chinese terracotta figure of a dignitary or attendant from the Ming Dynasty, dating to the 14th to 17th Century AD. The standing male figure wears a long formal robe with deeply modeled folds, a broad sash crossing the chest and a traditional official-style headdress. One arm hangs alongside the body while the other is bent forward with the hand clenched, creating a formal and dignified posture characteristic of attendant figures produced for funerary contexts. The figure is decorated in a striking sancai-style palette, dominated by a rich brown glaze with turquoise-green and cream/white accents, particularly visible along the sash, belt, cuffs and edges of the garment. The face and lower legs remain largely unglazed, providing a strong contrast with the lustrous glazed costume. Such figures formed part of larger funerary assemblages intended to accompany and serve the deceased symbolically in the afterlife. The head is separately modeled and removable, fitting into the body in accordance with the construction of the figure.
Material: Glazed terracotta
Dimensions: 27.5 cm high
Weight: 740 gr.
Provenance: Acquired in France. From a French private collection assembled before 1980.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Chinese Ming Dynasty Sancai-Style Glazed Dignitary – 14th to 17th Century AD
A finely modeled Chinese terracotta figure of a dignitary or attendant from the Ming Dynasty, dating to the 14th to 17th Century AD. The standing male figure wears a long formal robe with deeply modeled folds, a broad sash crossing the chest and a traditional official-style headdress. One arm hangs alongside the body while the other is bent forward with the hand clenched, creating a formal and dignified posture characteristic of attendant figures produced for funerary contexts. The figure is decorated in a striking sancai-style palette, dominated by a rich brown glaze with turquoise-green and cream/white accents, particularly visible along the sash, belt, cuffs and edges of the garment. The face and lower legs remain largely unglazed, providing a strong contrast with the lustrous glazed costume. Such figures formed part of larger funerary assemblages intended to accompany and serve the deceased symbolically in the afterlife. The head is separately modeled and removable, fitting into the body in accordance with the construction of the figure.
Material: Glazed terracotta
Dimensions: 27.5 cm high
Weight: 740 gr.
Provenance: Acquired in France. From a French private collection assembled before 1980.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty
Century/timeframe
14th to 17th Century AD
Name of object
Sancai-Glazed Dignitary / Attendant
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
27.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
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.
