Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Terracotta Fa-Hua colored Sancai Dignatary attendant - 49 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
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Description from the seller
Chinese Green-Glazed Pottery Court Official – Ming Dynasty (14th–17th Century AD)
A finely modeled green-glazed pottery figure of a Chinese court official dating to the Ming Dynasty (14th–17th Century AD). The figure stands upon a rectangular pedestal wearing a long cream-colored robe beneath a vivid emerald-green overcoat, while a tall ceremonial hat identifies him as a government official or court attendant. He carries a scroll or ceremonial tablet in one hand, an attribute associated with scholarly rank and imperial administration. The rich copper-green glaze contrasts beautifully with the unglazed buff earthenware, creating the elegant polychrome appearance characteristic of Ming funerary ceramics. Such figures were placed within elite tombs as mingqi (“spirit objects”), intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife while reflecting the prestige and hierarchy of the imperial court. This example displays crisp modeling, an attractive glossy glaze, and excellent overall preservation, making it a highly decorative and historically significant example of Ming funerary art.
Material: Glazed Earthenware
Dimensions: Height 49cm
Weight: 2,6 kg !
Provenance: Acquired in France from an auction dispersing a French private collection formed during the 1940s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Chinese Green-Glazed Pottery Court Official – Ming Dynasty (14th–17th Century AD)
A finely modeled green-glazed pottery figure of a Chinese court official dating to the Ming Dynasty (14th–17th Century AD). The figure stands upon a rectangular pedestal wearing a long cream-colored robe beneath a vivid emerald-green overcoat, while a tall ceremonial hat identifies him as a government official or court attendant. He carries a scroll or ceremonial tablet in one hand, an attribute associated with scholarly rank and imperial administration. The rich copper-green glaze contrasts beautifully with the unglazed buff earthenware, creating the elegant polychrome appearance characteristic of Ming funerary ceramics. Such figures were placed within elite tombs as mingqi (“spirit objects”), intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife while reflecting the prestige and hierarchy of the imperial court. This example displays crisp modeling, an attractive glossy glaze, and excellent overall preservation, making it a highly decorative and historically significant example of Ming funerary art.
Material: Glazed Earthenware
Dimensions: Height 49cm
Weight: 2,6 kg !
Provenance: Acquired in France from an auction dispersing a French private collection formed during the 1940s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty
Century/timeframe
14th to 17th Century AD
Name of object
Fa-Hua colored Sancai Dignatary attendant
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
49 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1940
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.
