Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Sancai Dignitary with TL 1,380 years old - 44 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 8,300 - € 12,000
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Tang Dynasty sancai-glazed terracotta dignitary, 44 cm high, dating to the 7th–8th century AD, TL-tested at about 1,380 years old, acquired in the Netherlands from a German private collection, authentic and in very good condition.
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Description from the seller
Chinese Sancai-Glazed Dignitary – Tang Dynasty – 7th to 8th Century AD
A large and imposing Chinese terracotta dignitary from the Tang Dynasty, dating to the 7th to 8th Century AD, modeled standing upright in a formal courtly pose with both hands clasped before the chest. The figure wears a tall official headdress and long layered robes falling toward the feet, with deeply modeled folds emphasizing the dignitary’s imposing stature. The face is individually articulated with almond-shaped eyes, prominent brows, broad cheeks and a composed expression characteristic of Tang funerary representations of officials and attendants. The robes retain an attractive sancai glaze dominated by rich amber-brown, deep green and cream/ivory tones, with natural variations and iridescence produced by age and firing. At 44 cm high, the figure has considerable sculptural presence and belongs to the tradition of mingqi, funerary figures created to accompany the deceased and symbolically reproduce the prestige and hierarchy of the earthly court in the afterlife. Thermoluminescence (TL) tested by Kotalla Laboratory, indicating an age of approximately 1,380 years.
Material: Terracotta with sancai glaze in amber-brown, green and cream/ivory
Dimensions: 44 cm
TL Test: Kotalla Laboratory – approximately 1,380 years old
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands from a German private collection.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years.
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired in accordance with European law.
Chinese Sancai-Glazed Dignitary – Tang Dynasty – 7th to 8th Century AD
A large and imposing Chinese terracotta dignitary from the Tang Dynasty, dating to the 7th to 8th Century AD, modeled standing upright in a formal courtly pose with both hands clasped before the chest. The figure wears a tall official headdress and long layered robes falling toward the feet, with deeply modeled folds emphasizing the dignitary’s imposing stature. The face is individually articulated with almond-shaped eyes, prominent brows, broad cheeks and a composed expression characteristic of Tang funerary representations of officials and attendants. The robes retain an attractive sancai glaze dominated by rich amber-brown, deep green and cream/ivory tones, with natural variations and iridescence produced by age and firing. At 44 cm high, the figure has considerable sculptural presence and belongs to the tradition of mingqi, funerary figures created to accompany the deceased and symbolically reproduce the prestige and hierarchy of the earthly court in the afterlife. Thermoluminescence (TL) tested by Kotalla Laboratory, indicating an age of approximately 1,380 years.
Material: Terracotta with sancai glaze in amber-brown, green and cream/ivory
Dimensions: 44 cm
TL Test: Kotalla Laboratory – approximately 1,380 years old
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands from a German private collection.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years.
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired in accordance with European law.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
7th to 8th Century AD
Name of object
Sancai Dignitary with TL 1,380 years old
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
44 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
