Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta An Exceptionally Fine and Rare Tang Dynasty Court Lady (“Fat Lady”), Oxford TL test - 33 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 4,500 - € 5,500
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An Exceptionally Fine and Rare Tang Dynasty Court Lady, an 8th‑century terracotta earthenware figure, 33 cm high, in very good condition with traces of original pigment and TL-authenticated authenticity, with provenance linking to a private collection and a 1997 acquisition in Zurich.
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Description from the seller
China, Tang dynasty (618–907)
Earthenware with traces of original pigments
Height: 33 cm
Scientific Authentication
Dating confirmed by thermoluminescence (TL) test, 25 February 1994. Oxford!
This superb earthenware figure represents a Tang dynasty court lady, often referred to as a “fat lady,” embodying the Tang ideal of feminine beauty, prosperity, and grace. The full, softly modelled face, rounded cheeks, and composed expression reflect the period’s celebration of abundance and elegance at the imperial court.
The figure stands upright on a rectangular base, dressed in long, flowing robes that fall in rhythmic folds to the feet. One arm is raised toward the chest, while the other rests calmly at the side, creating a balanced and dignified pose. The modelling is confident and refined, with particular attention paid to the facial features and the subtle rendering of the garments. The elaborate coiffure, with prominent side sections framing the face, is characteristic of high-ranking Tang court ladies and enhances the sculptural presence of the figure.
Traces of the original polychrome decoration remain visible across the surface, including areas of warm earthen tones and pale facial pigment, offering a vivid impression of the figure’s original appearance. The surface displays a natural patina and soft wear consistent with long burial and great age.
Examples of this quality, scale, and sculptural refinement are increasingly rare. The present figure stands out for its harmonious proportions, expressive modelling, and well-preserved state, making it an outstanding representation of Tang dynasty funerary art.
Provenance:
Acquired in 1997 from Gertrud Woodtli, Zurich.
Sold at Lempertz, with the original Lempertz auction sticker remaining on the underside.
Previously from the collection of Prof. Margrit Lisner.
This distinguished provenance, linking the piece to a respected private collection and a major European auction house, significantly enhances its importance and desirability.
Condition:
In very good condition for an object of this age and type. No breaks and no repairs observed. There is loss of surface pigment, which is entirely normal and expected for Tang dynasty earthenware figures. The structure is sound and stable, with a pleasing, untouched appearance.
Tang dynasty court ladies of this calibre are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. This example combines exceptional quality, rarity, and one of the best possible provenances, making it a museum-worthy object and a centerpiece for any serious collection of early Chinese art.
-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 typological 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 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.
China, Tang dynasty (618–907)
Earthenware with traces of original pigments
Height: 33 cm
Scientific Authentication
Dating confirmed by thermoluminescence (TL) test, 25 February 1994. Oxford!
This superb earthenware figure represents a Tang dynasty court lady, often referred to as a “fat lady,” embodying the Tang ideal of feminine beauty, prosperity, and grace. The full, softly modelled face, rounded cheeks, and composed expression reflect the period’s celebration of abundance and elegance at the imperial court.
The figure stands upright on a rectangular base, dressed in long, flowing robes that fall in rhythmic folds to the feet. One arm is raised toward the chest, while the other rests calmly at the side, creating a balanced and dignified pose. The modelling is confident and refined, with particular attention paid to the facial features and the subtle rendering of the garments. The elaborate coiffure, with prominent side sections framing the face, is characteristic of high-ranking Tang court ladies and enhances the sculptural presence of the figure.
Traces of the original polychrome decoration remain visible across the surface, including areas of warm earthen tones and pale facial pigment, offering a vivid impression of the figure’s original appearance. The surface displays a natural patina and soft wear consistent with long burial and great age.
Examples of this quality, scale, and sculptural refinement are increasingly rare. The present figure stands out for its harmonious proportions, expressive modelling, and well-preserved state, making it an outstanding representation of Tang dynasty funerary art.
Provenance:
Acquired in 1997 from Gertrud Woodtli, Zurich.
Sold at Lempertz, with the original Lempertz auction sticker remaining on the underside.
Previously from the collection of Prof. Margrit Lisner.
This distinguished provenance, linking the piece to a respected private collection and a major European auction house, significantly enhances its importance and desirability.
Condition:
In very good condition for an object of this age and type. No breaks and no repairs observed. There is loss of surface pigment, which is entirely normal and expected for Tang dynasty earthenware figures. The structure is sound and stable, with a pleasing, untouched appearance.
Tang dynasty court ladies of this calibre are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. This example combines exceptional quality, rarity, and one of the best possible provenances, making it a museum-worthy object and a centerpiece for any serious collection of early Chinese art.
-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 typological 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 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, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
8th c.
Name of object
An Exceptionally Fine and Rare Tang Dynasty Court Lady (“Fat Lady”), Oxford TL test
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
33 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1997
Previous owner - country acquired from
Switzerland
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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