Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Minqi. With TL Test - 15.3 cm (No reserve price)
02
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Current bid
€ 155
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
 | €155 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €145 | |
| €130 | |
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Minqi, a Tang Dynasty terracotta funeral figurine of a kneeling court musician holding her instrument, 15.3 cm high, 7.3 cm wide, 5.7 cm deep, dating to the 6th century, in good condition, authentic/original with TL test, acquired in 2026 from Belgium via an auction house.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Elegant Tang Dynasty Chinese terracotta funerary figurine of a court musician kneeling and holding her instrument against her.
The composition is particularly expressive: the figure is represented kneeling, wearing a long robe, both hands carefully modeled around the instrument. The face retains a noble presence, while the high hairstyle, sleeves, hands, and the instrument still display numerous details despite the piece’s age.
The surface preserves significant traces of ancient polychromy, notably in red-orange, cream, and natural earth tones. Deposits, concretion, and surface irregularities have been kept and contribute fully to the archaeological character of the object.
China, Tang Dynasty, 618–907
Weight: 232 g
The musician in the Tang court:
Under the Tang Dynasty, music played an essential role at court life and at grand aristocratic banquets.
Musicians participated in ensembles responsible for enlivening ceremonies, receptions, and entertainments. Tang culture was especially cosmopolitan and open to influences from Central Asia and the Silk Road, which introduced new instruments, rhythms, and dance styles to the imperial court.
These musicians thus embodied the refinement, prestige, and cultural richness of the aristocratic entourage.
In the funerary context, this type of figurine belonged to mingqi, objects laid in tombs to symbolically recreate, in the afterlife, the living environment of the deceased. The presence of a musician could thus evoke a cultivated, refined, and privileged setting.
Thermoluminescence:
The figurine is accompanied by a thermoluminescence report issued by Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, Germany.
Report No. 02130108
Dated January 24, 2008
The present figurine is directly identifiable as the specimen located on the left in the report photograph.
The laboratory concludes:
“Fired in antiquity”
The last firing of the terracotta is estimated at:
1,200 years ± 20 %
This scientific dating is compatible with the Tang period.
A full report copy, with photographs and analysis curves, accompanies the object.
Condition:
Very beautiful archaeological state considering its age.
Significant traces of ancient polychromy.
Presence of earthy and mineral deposits.
Wearing, small material losses, and surface irregularities related to age and burial.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and allow for precise appreciation of the surface, polychromy, and overall condition of the piece.
Beautiful collectible piece, both decorative and historically evocative, benefiting from a particularly important asset for an ancient Chinese terracotta: ancient thermoluminescence accompanied by a photograph that directly identifies the figurine.
The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with custom-cut foam to keep it securely in place. A practical and secure display case, ideal for transport, storage, and presentation.
Shipping will be carefully packaged and insured.
Elegant Tang Dynasty Chinese terracotta funerary figurine of a court musician kneeling and holding her instrument against her.
The composition is particularly expressive: the figure is represented kneeling, wearing a long robe, both hands carefully modeled around the instrument. The face retains a noble presence, while the high hairstyle, sleeves, hands, and the instrument still display numerous details despite the piece’s age.
The surface preserves significant traces of ancient polychromy, notably in red-orange, cream, and natural earth tones. Deposits, concretion, and surface irregularities have been kept and contribute fully to the archaeological character of the object.
China, Tang Dynasty, 618–907
Weight: 232 g
The musician in the Tang court:
Under the Tang Dynasty, music played an essential role at court life and at grand aristocratic banquets.
Musicians participated in ensembles responsible for enlivening ceremonies, receptions, and entertainments. Tang culture was especially cosmopolitan and open to influences from Central Asia and the Silk Road, which introduced new instruments, rhythms, and dance styles to the imperial court.
These musicians thus embodied the refinement, prestige, and cultural richness of the aristocratic entourage.
In the funerary context, this type of figurine belonged to mingqi, objects laid in tombs to symbolically recreate, in the afterlife, the living environment of the deceased. The presence of a musician could thus evoke a cultivated, refined, and privileged setting.
Thermoluminescence:
The figurine is accompanied by a thermoluminescence report issued by Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, Germany.
Report No. 02130108
Dated January 24, 2008
The present figurine is directly identifiable as the specimen located on the left in the report photograph.
The laboratory concludes:
“Fired in antiquity”
The last firing of the terracotta is estimated at:
1,200 years ± 20 %
This scientific dating is compatible with the Tang period.
A full report copy, with photographs and analysis curves, accompanies the object.
Condition:
Very beautiful archaeological state considering its age.
Significant traces of ancient polychromy.
Presence of earthy and mineral deposits.
Wearing, small material losses, and surface irregularities related to age and burial.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and allow for precise appreciation of the surface, polychromy, and overall condition of the piece.
Beautiful collectible piece, both decorative and historically evocative, benefiting from a particularly important asset for an ancient Chinese terracotta: ancient thermoluminescence accompanied by a photograph that directly identifies the figurine.
The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with custom-cut foam to keep it securely in place. A practical and secure display case, ideal for transport, storage, and presentation.
Shipping will be carefully packaged and insured.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
6ème
Name of object
Minqi. With TL Test
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
15.3 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2010
Width
7.3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
5.7 cm
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.
