Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Court lady / polychrome terracotta funerary attendant - 25 cm

China – Han Dynasty. Terracotta polychrome court lady / funerary assistant, mingqi.

Elegant Chinese funerary figure made of molded terracotta, representing a standing lady or court assistant. The figure adopts a frontal, serene posture, with arms folded and hands hidden beneath the wide sleeves at waist height. She wears a long robe that descends to form a widened base, while the neckline is defined by a fine reddish band in a V shape.

The face, with soft features and a restrained expression, is framed by a dark coiffure, still clearly differentiated by remnants of black pigment. The surface preserves abundant vestiges of white engobe, as well as traces of red, black and gray pigments, particularly visible on the clothing and hair.

The figure belongs to the mingqi tradition, funerary objects placed in the tombs of Chinese elites to symbolically reproduce in the afterlife their domestic environment, entourage and servants. Tang female figures also constitute an important testimony of the fashion and the sophisticated courtly culture of the period. The Metropolitan and Cleveland preserve very close examples of Tang ladies and funeral attendants with white engobe and residual polychromy.

Material: terracotta with engobe and traces of polychrome.
Origin: China.
Period: Tang dynasty, probably c. 700–750 CE.
Measurements: 25.5 × 12.5 × 5 cm.
Condition: archaeological conservation, with general wear to the engobe and polychromy, earthy deposits, abrasions, minor surface losses and fissures typical of antiquity. The lower opening allows observation of the figure’s hollow construction. A appreciable amount of original pigmentation remains.

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.