Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta A Rare Pale Amber-Glazed Pottery Figure of a Court Lady - 20 cm
06
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14
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,300 - € 1,500
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A Rare Pale Amber-Glazed Terracotta Pottery Figure of a Court Lady from Ancient China, dating to the 6th–7th century Tang period, standing 20 cm high in a long robe with a high chignon.
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Description from the seller
A Rare Pale Amber-Glazed Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
China, Sui dynasty to early Tang dynasty, 6th–7th century
Height: 20 cm
Finely modelled standing in an elegant and restrained pose, the slender court lady is depicted with her hands gently clasped before the waist, dressed in a long, flowing robe falling in softly delineated vertical folds and opening slightly towards the base. A short outer garment is draped over the shoulders, its edges and sleeves carefully articulated.
The elongated figure is surmounted by a delicately modelled head with serene, finely defined facial features, including gently arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose and small pursed lips. Her hair is swept upwards into a distinctive high chignon, characteristic of the changing aristocratic fashions of the late 6th and early 7th centuries.
The figure is covered overall in an attractive pale amber to straw-yellow lead glaze, now softly iridescent and extensively crackled with age. Areas of natural wear reveal the pale pottery body beneath, particularly around the lower robe and foot, lending the surface a beautifully time-softened appearance. Subtle variations within the glaze, together with traces of burial accretion and age-related surface alteration, enhance the sculptural modelling.
The restrained proportions, high-waisted costume, elongated silhouette and formal coiffure are characteristic of female attendant figures produced during the transitional period between the Sui and early Tang dynasties. Such figures formed part of the sophisticated funerary assemblages created for members of the aristocracy and elite, intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife.
Monochrome glazed court figures of this early date are considerably less frequently encountered than the later sancai-glazed pottery figures associated with the mature Tang dynasty, making surviving examples particularly appealing.
Condition
Very good condition considering the age. The figure remains intact, with no major breaks or losses. There are several old firing and age-related hairline cracks, including to the coiffure and reverse of the body, visible in the photographs. Expected extensive craquelure and areas of wear, flaking and loss to the glaze, particularly towards the base, together with surface abrasions and minor burial-related accretions. No significant restoration apparent from visual inspection.
The overall state of preservation is remarkably attractive for a glazed pottery figure of this early period, retaining much of its original pale amber-yellow glaze and an especially elegant, complete silhouette.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched 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 Rare Pale Amber-Glazed Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
China, Sui dynasty to early Tang dynasty, 6th–7th century
Height: 20 cm
Finely modelled standing in an elegant and restrained pose, the slender court lady is depicted with her hands gently clasped before the waist, dressed in a long, flowing robe falling in softly delineated vertical folds and opening slightly towards the base. A short outer garment is draped over the shoulders, its edges and sleeves carefully articulated.
The elongated figure is surmounted by a delicately modelled head with serene, finely defined facial features, including gently arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose and small pursed lips. Her hair is swept upwards into a distinctive high chignon, characteristic of the changing aristocratic fashions of the late 6th and early 7th centuries.
The figure is covered overall in an attractive pale amber to straw-yellow lead glaze, now softly iridescent and extensively crackled with age. Areas of natural wear reveal the pale pottery body beneath, particularly around the lower robe and foot, lending the surface a beautifully time-softened appearance. Subtle variations within the glaze, together with traces of burial accretion and age-related surface alteration, enhance the sculptural modelling.
The restrained proportions, high-waisted costume, elongated silhouette and formal coiffure are characteristic of female attendant figures produced during the transitional period between the Sui and early Tang dynasties. Such figures formed part of the sophisticated funerary assemblages created for members of the aristocracy and elite, intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife.
Monochrome glazed court figures of this early date are considerably less frequently encountered than the later sancai-glazed pottery figures associated with the mature Tang dynasty, making surviving examples particularly appealing.
Condition
Very good condition considering the age. The figure remains intact, with no major breaks or losses. There are several old firing and age-related hairline cracks, including to the coiffure and reverse of the body, visible in the photographs. Expected extensive craquelure and areas of wear, flaking and loss to the glaze, particularly towards the base, together with surface abrasions and minor burial-related accretions. No significant restoration apparent from visual inspection.
The overall state of preservation is remarkably attractive for a glazed pottery figure of this early period, retaining much of its original pale amber-yellow glaze and an especially elegant, complete silhouette.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched 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, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
6th-7th c.
Name of object
A Rare Pale Amber-Glazed Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2024
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
20 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
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.
