Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Minqi. With TL Test - 14.6 cm (No reserve price)

Elegant funerary Chinese Minqi terracotta figurine depicting a court musician kneeling, pressed against her chest a pipa-type plucked string instrument.

The composition is particularly expressive: the figure is shown kneeling, wearing a long robe with clearly visible pleats, arms arranged around the instrument. The face retains a striking presence despite the marks of time, while the high hairstyle, sleeves, hands and the pipa still display numerous modelling details.

The surface preserves substantial traces of ancient polychromy, notably in reddish-orange, cream and natural earth tones. The deposits, concretions and surface irregularities have been preserved and fully contribute to the archaeological character of the piece.

China, Tang Dynasty, 618–907

Weight: 227 g

The Tang court musician:

Under the Tang dynasty, music occupied an essential place in court life and in grand aristocratic banquets.

Female musicians took part in ensembles responsible for animating ceremonies, receptions and entertainments. Tang culture was particularly cosmopolitan and open to influences from Central Asia and the Silk Road, which introduced new instruments, rhythms and dance styles at the imperial court.

The pipa, a plucked-string instrument that has become emblematic of Chinese music, holds an important place in depictions of musicians of this period.

Thus these figures embodied refinement, prestige and the cultural wealth of the aristocratic entourage.

In the funeral context, this type of figurine belonged to mingqi, objects placed 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 prepared 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 photograph of the report.

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 copy of the full report, with photographs and analysis curves, accompanies the object.

State of conservation:

Very good archaeological condition considering its age.

Significant traces of ancient polychromy.

Presence of earthy and mineral deposits.

Wear, small losses of material, surface irregularities and traces related to burial.

The piece is hollow, in accordance with the manufacturing method of many similar Chinese funerary figurines of this type.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow precise appreciation of the surface, polychromy, deposits and overall condition of the figurine.

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 allowing direct identification of the figurine.

The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with foam cut to fit perfectly to keep it securely in place. A practical and secure case, ideal for transport, storage and conservation.

The shipment will be carefully packed and insured.