Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Fat Lady figure. 37 cm H. TL test. 618 - 906 AD
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,600 - € 7,300
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Fat Lady figure, an original Tang Dynasty terracotta statue of a court lady, 37 cm high, with thermoluminescence test, dated 618–906 AD, in good condition; provenance: private collection, Barcelona, acquired from a gallery in the United States in the 1980s.
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Description from the seller
Fat Lady
- with thermoluminescence test -
China, Tang Dinasty, 618 - 906 AD
Terracotta and pigments
37 cm height
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Barcelona. Acquired in an art gallery, from USA, 1980s.
Condition: Good, see photos.
The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is widely regarded as one of the golden ages of Chinese civilization. Under emperors such as Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian, China experienced political stability, territorial expansion, and extraordinary cultural flourishing. The capital, Chang’an (modern Xi’an), was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, connected to Central Asia and beyond through the Silk Road. Trade, foreign influences, poetry, music, and the visual arts all thrived during this period.
One of the most fascinating artistic legacies of the Tang dynasty is its funerary sculpture, especially the glazed terracotta figures placed inside tombs. These objects, often known as mingqi (spirit objects), were intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They represented servants, musicians, guardians, animals, and court ladies, recreating a miniature version of the earthly world within the tomb. Crafted with remarkable realism and often covered in sancai (three-color) glaze—typically amber, green, and cream—these sculptures provide valuable insight into Tang society, fashion, and ideals of beauty.
Among the most iconic of these figures are the so-called “Fat Ladies,” statues of court women characterized by full, rounded faces and ample bodies. Rather than being caricatures, these figures reflect the Tang dynasty’s aesthetic preference for plumpness as a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and health. In contrast to earlier periods, when slenderness was more admired, the Tang court celebrated a more voluptuous form. This shift may have been influenced by the empire’s wealth and its openness to foreign cultures, particularly from Central Asia.
The “Fat Ladies” are typically shown wearing elaborate high-waisted dresses with long flowing sleeves, their hair arranged in intricate topknots. Their expressions are serene and self-assured, suggesting refinement and status. Some hold musical instruments or stand in relaxed poses, embodying the sophistication of court life. These figures were not portraits of specific individuals but idealized representations of aristocratic women, possibly court attendants or entertainers.
Today, Tang terracotta ladies are displayed in major museums around the world and remain powerful symbols of the dynasty’s artistic achievement. They reveal how concepts of beauty change across time and culture, and they testify to the cosmopolitan spirit and material abundance of the Tang era. Through these sculptures, we glimpse both the daily life and the spiritual beliefs of one of China’s most remarkable dynasties.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateFat Lady
- with thermoluminescence test -
China, Tang Dinasty, 618 - 906 AD
Terracotta and pigments
37 cm height
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Barcelona. Acquired in an art gallery, from USA, 1980s.
Condition: Good, see photos.
The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is widely regarded as one of the golden ages of Chinese civilization. Under emperors such as Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian, China experienced political stability, territorial expansion, and extraordinary cultural flourishing. The capital, Chang’an (modern Xi’an), was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, connected to Central Asia and beyond through the Silk Road. Trade, foreign influences, poetry, music, and the visual arts all thrived during this period.
One of the most fascinating artistic legacies of the Tang dynasty is its funerary sculpture, especially the glazed terracotta figures placed inside tombs. These objects, often known as mingqi (spirit objects), were intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They represented servants, musicians, guardians, animals, and court ladies, recreating a miniature version of the earthly world within the tomb. Crafted with remarkable realism and often covered in sancai (three-color) glaze—typically amber, green, and cream—these sculptures provide valuable insight into Tang society, fashion, and ideals of beauty.
Among the most iconic of these figures are the so-called “Fat Ladies,” statues of court women characterized by full, rounded faces and ample bodies. Rather than being caricatures, these figures reflect the Tang dynasty’s aesthetic preference for plumpness as a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and health. In contrast to earlier periods, when slenderness was more admired, the Tang court celebrated a more voluptuous form. This shift may have been influenced by the empire’s wealth and its openness to foreign cultures, particularly from Central Asia.
The “Fat Ladies” are typically shown wearing elaborate high-waisted dresses with long flowing sleeves, their hair arranged in intricate topknots. Their expressions are serene and self-assured, suggesting refinement and status. Some hold musical instruments or stand in relaxed poses, embodying the sophistication of court life. These figures were not portraits of specific individuals but idealized representations of aristocratic women, possibly court attendants or entertainers.
Today, Tang terracotta ladies are displayed in major museums around the world and remain powerful symbols of the dynasty’s artistic achievement. They reveal how concepts of beauty change across time and culture, and they testify to the cosmopolitan spirit and material abundance of the Tang era. Through these sculptures, we glimpse both the daily life and the spiritual beliefs of one of China’s most remarkable dynasties.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
618 - 906 AD
Name of object
Fat Lady figure. 37 cm H. TL test. 618 - 906 AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2011
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
