Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta A Large Painted Grey Pottery Model of an Ox-Drawn Cart. Ex-Bonhams - 20 cm
02
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Current bid
€ 80
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 5,000 - € 6,100
 | €80 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €53 | |
| €50 |
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Ancient Chinese Han dynasty terracotta model of an ox-drawn cart, 41 cm long by 20 cm high, in very good condition with surviving original pigments.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Large Painted Grey Pottery Model of an Ox-Drawn Cart
Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)
An impressive and remarkably well-preserved Han dynasty funerary model comprising a powerful ox harnessed to a two-wheeled covered cart, finely modelled in grey earthenware and retaining extensive traces of its original painted decoration.
The ox is depicted standing firmly on four legs, with lowered head and projecting horns, attached to the cart by a long central shaft. Behind it rises the substantial covered carriage, supported on two large spoked wheels. The architectural simplicity of the cart, combined with the strongly modelled animal, gives the group a particularly striking and sculptural presence.
The surface preserves areas of the original ancient pigments, together with the naturally aged grey pottery body and burial surface. These surviving colours are especially attractive and give the group the authentic archaeological character associated with Han dynasty tomb pottery.
Models of carts, oxen and other elements of daily life formed an important part of Han dynasty funerary culture. Such objects were placed in tombs as mingqi, or spirit objects, intended to accompany and provide for the deceased in the afterlife. Large complete compositions such as this were representations of transport, status and the household environment of the tomb occupant.
A particularly decorative and substantial example, notable for its large size, complete composition and surviving original surface decoration.
Dimensions:
Length: 41 cm
Height: 20 cm
Provenance:
The Peter and Mary White Collection of Chinese Art.
Bonhams, London, A Life in Ceramics: The Peter and Mary White Collection of Chinese Art
Condition:
Very good condition considering the age. Ancient wear, burial deposits, surface abrasions and losses to the original pigments, consistent with the age and archaeological nature of the piece. The surviving painted decoration is original. Please refer closely to the photographs.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee –
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
A Large Painted Grey Pottery Model of an Ox-Drawn Cart
Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)
An impressive and remarkably well-preserved Han dynasty funerary model comprising a powerful ox harnessed to a two-wheeled covered cart, finely modelled in grey earthenware and retaining extensive traces of its original painted decoration.
The ox is depicted standing firmly on four legs, with lowered head and projecting horns, attached to the cart by a long central shaft. Behind it rises the substantial covered carriage, supported on two large spoked wheels. The architectural simplicity of the cart, combined with the strongly modelled animal, gives the group a particularly striking and sculptural presence.
The surface preserves areas of the original ancient pigments, together with the naturally aged grey pottery body and burial surface. These surviving colours are especially attractive and give the group the authentic archaeological character associated with Han dynasty tomb pottery.
Models of carts, oxen and other elements of daily life formed an important part of Han dynasty funerary culture. Such objects were placed in tombs as mingqi, or spirit objects, intended to accompany and provide for the deceased in the afterlife. Large complete compositions such as this were representations of transport, status and the household environment of the tomb occupant.
A particularly decorative and substantial example, notable for its large size, complete composition and surviving original surface decoration.
Dimensions:
Length: 41 cm
Height: 20 cm
Provenance:
The Peter and Mary White Collection of Chinese Art.
Bonhams, London, A Life in Ceramics: The Peter and Mary White Collection of Chinese Art
Condition:
Very good condition considering the age. Ancient wear, burial deposits, surface abrasions and losses to the original pigments, consistent with the age and archaeological nature of the piece. The surviving painted decoration is original. Please refer closely to the photographs.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee –
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
2nd c.
Name of object
A Large Painted Grey Pottery Model of an Ox-Drawn Cart. Ex-Bonhams
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
20 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Width
41 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
