Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi) - 25 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,000
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Tang Dynasty terracotta funerary figure of a female attendant, polychromed, standing with a long robe and stylised vertical folds, 25 cm high, from China, acquired 2008 from Hong Kong, originally in a private collection, authentic original piece in good condition.
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Description from the seller
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. Multicolored painted terracotta terracotta female funerary figure, mingqi.
Elegant standing female figure made in molded terracotta and originally polychromed, probably representing a lady or court attendant, conceived as funerary apparel to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure appears in an upright position, with deliberately stylized proportions, dressed in a long tunic that descends to form a wide base. The vertical folds of the dress provide rhythm and verticality to the composition, while the arms remain folded against the body in a restrained and ceremonial posture.
Notably the characteristic elevated hairstyle, formed by two voluminous side buns, an element associated with the sophisticated fashion of women at court during the Tang period. The face, oval and serene in expression, preserves interesting traces of the original painted decoration, visible mainly in the eyebrows and eyes outlined in black, as well as traces of reddish and pinkish pigment on the features.
The surface retains abundant earthy deposits and accretions, in addition to scattered remains of polychromy on the dress, giving the piece a powerful archaeological presence.
The construction is hollow, clearly visible from the lower opening, a common procedure in the production of Tang funerary figures. This type of sculpture, known as mingqi, was placed in the tombs of the well-to-do to symbolically recreate their retinue, servants, and everyday surroundings in the beyond.
Material: terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Cultural origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Dimensions: 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm.
Condition: archaeological state, with generalized surface wear and polychromy loss, earthy deposits, cracks and fissures visible, especially in the neck area, shoulders, and base. Preserves substantial traces of ancient pigment. See detailed photographs.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. Multicolored painted terracotta terracotta female funerary figure, mingqi.
Elegant standing female figure made in molded terracotta and originally polychromed, probably representing a lady or court attendant, conceived as funerary apparel to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The figure appears in an upright position, with deliberately stylized proportions, dressed in a long tunic that descends to form a wide base. The vertical folds of the dress provide rhythm and verticality to the composition, while the arms remain folded against the body in a restrained and ceremonial posture.
Notably the characteristic elevated hairstyle, formed by two voluminous side buns, an element associated with the sophisticated fashion of women at court during the Tang period. The face, oval and serene in expression, preserves interesting traces of the original painted decoration, visible mainly in the eyebrows and eyes outlined in black, as well as traces of reddish and pinkish pigment on the features.
The surface retains abundant earthy deposits and accretions, in addition to scattered remains of polychromy on the dress, giving the piece a powerful archaeological presence.
The construction is hollow, clearly visible from the lower opening, a common procedure in the production of Tang funerary figures. This type of sculpture, known as mingqi, was placed in the tombs of the well-to-do to symbolically recreate their retinue, servants, and everyday surroundings in the beyond.
Material: terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Cultural origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Dimensions: 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm.
Condition: archaeological state, with generalized surface wear and polychromy loss, earthy deposits, cracks and fissures visible, especially in the neck area, shoulders, and base. Preserves substantial traces of ancient pigment. See detailed photographs.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
SVI
Name of object
Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
25 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
12 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
5 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.
