Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta China — Chinese music kneeling at the drum. Thermoluminescence report— Tang Dynasty (618–907) - 15.3 cm (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 141
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,000
 | €141 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €131 | |
| €121 | |
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Tang dynasty Chinese terracotta funeral figurine of a kneeling musician holding a horizontal drum, polychrome traces visible, with a thermoluminescence report, dimensions 15.3 cm high, 7.3 cm wide and 5.7 cm deep.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Elegant Chinese funerary figurine of the mingqi type, in polychrome terracotta, depicting a musician kneeling and holding a drum horizontally in front of her.
The composition stands out for its balance and the delicacy of the gestures: both hands rest at the ends of the instrument, whose body has a constricted shape at the center. The musician wears a long robe with a crossed collar, cinched at the waist by a belt, while a high coiffure extends the silhouette.
The face preserves expressive features and traces of red coloring at the lips. The sleeves, the fingers and the borders of the garment remain clearly legible.
The surface shows significant traces of polychromy, notably in pinkish red, cream and white tones, contrasting with the darker hue of the drum. Earthy deposits, concretions and surface irregularities are visible across the piece.
China, attributed to the Tang dynasty, 618–907.
The musician and her context
This figurine evokes musical ensembles associated with court entertainment and aristocratic receptions in ancient China. Her kneeling posture and her instrument contribute to a careful representation of the musical gesture.
In the funerary context, mingqi were intended to accompany the deceased and symbolically recreate aspects of their living environment. A musician could thus evoke the pleasures of music and the refinement of the deceased’s entourage.
Thermoluminescence
The figurine is listed in the thermoluminescence report prepared by the Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, Germany, for a group of three musicians.
Report No. 02130108
Dated January 24, 2008
The present drum-bearing figurine is identifiable as the right-hand piece in the report’s photograph.
The laboratory concludes:
“Fired in antiquity” — terracotta fired in Antiquity.
The last firing of the terracotta is estimated at:
1,200 years ± 20% at the time of testing.
This scientific dating is compatible with an attribution to the Tang period.
A copy of the report accompanies the object.
Condition
Significant traces of polychromy preserved on the robe, the face and the sleeves.
Presence of earthy deposits and concretions, surface wear, gaps in polychromy and small material irregularities. A small opening is visible at the back of the head.
Photographs form an integral part of the description and allow assessing the surface, details and overall condition of the figurine.
An expressive piece, combining the interest of the musical subject, polychromy still well preserved and a thermoluminescence report including a photograph that allows recognizing the object.
Presentation and shipment
The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with cut foam to hold it in place, as shown in the photographs.
The shipment will be carefully packed and insured.
Elegant Chinese funerary figurine of the mingqi type, in polychrome terracotta, depicting a musician kneeling and holding a drum horizontally in front of her.
The composition stands out for its balance and the delicacy of the gestures: both hands rest at the ends of the instrument, whose body has a constricted shape at the center. The musician wears a long robe with a crossed collar, cinched at the waist by a belt, while a high coiffure extends the silhouette.
The face preserves expressive features and traces of red coloring at the lips. The sleeves, the fingers and the borders of the garment remain clearly legible.
The surface shows significant traces of polychromy, notably in pinkish red, cream and white tones, contrasting with the darker hue of the drum. Earthy deposits, concretions and surface irregularities are visible across the piece.
China, attributed to the Tang dynasty, 618–907.
The musician and her context
This figurine evokes musical ensembles associated with court entertainment and aristocratic receptions in ancient China. Her kneeling posture and her instrument contribute to a careful representation of the musical gesture.
In the funerary context, mingqi were intended to accompany the deceased and symbolically recreate aspects of their living environment. A musician could thus evoke the pleasures of music and the refinement of the deceased’s entourage.
Thermoluminescence
The figurine is listed in the thermoluminescence report prepared by the Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, Germany, for a group of three musicians.
Report No. 02130108
Dated January 24, 2008
The present drum-bearing figurine is identifiable as the right-hand piece in the report’s photograph.
The laboratory concludes:
“Fired in antiquity” — terracotta fired in Antiquity.
The last firing of the terracotta is estimated at:
1,200 years ± 20% at the time of testing.
This scientific dating is compatible with an attribution to the Tang period.
A copy of the report accompanies the object.
Condition
Significant traces of polychromy preserved on the robe, the face and the sleeves.
Presence of earthy deposits and concretions, surface wear, gaps in polychromy and small material irregularities. A small opening is visible at the back of the head.
Photographs form an integral part of the description and allow assessing the surface, details and overall condition of the figurine.
An expressive piece, combining the interest of the musical subject, polychromy still well preserved and a thermoluminescence report including a photograph that allows recognizing the object.
Presentation and shipment
The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with cut foam to hold it in place, as shown in the photographs.
The shipment will be carefully packed and insured.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
Tang dynasty (618 - 907 A.D. )
Name of object
China — Chinese music kneeling at the drum. Thermoluminescence report— Tang Dynasty (618–907)
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.
