Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi - 26 cm
07
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07
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
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Description from the seller
Female funerary figurine or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with traces of slip and pigmentation
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD
26 × 5 × 4 cm approx.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, likely representing a lady or attendant of the funeral entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long tunic that almost reaches the base. The arms are arranged in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head is one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, delicately defined nose, and traces of pigmentation on the features, while the hair rises to form a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a condition clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earth deposits, traces of light engobe, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosion, cracks, and superficial losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photographs.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funerary practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals, and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
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.
Female funerary figurine or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with traces of slip and pigmentation
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD
26 × 5 × 4 cm approx.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, likely representing a lady or attendant of the funeral entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long tunic that almost reaches the base. The arms are arranged in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head is one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, delicately defined nose, and traces of pigmentation on the features, while the hair rises to form a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a condition clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earth deposits, traces of light engobe, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosion, cracks, and superficial losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photographs.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funerary practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals, and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
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, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
206AC
Name of object
Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, 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
26 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
4 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.
