Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Celadon Guan Yu 14th to 17th Century AD - 25 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 950 - € 1,500
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Ancient Chinese Ming Dynasty Celadon-glazed terracotta figure of Guan Yu, 14th–17th century AD, 25 cm tall, from a Belgian private collection via an auction house, authentic original and in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Chinese Celadon Figure of Guan Yu – Ming Dynasty, 14th to 17th Century AD
A finely modelled Chinese celadon-glazed earthenware figure depicting the legendary general Guan Yu (Guandi), one of the most revered military heroes in Chinese history and later deified as the God of War, loyalty and righteousness. The figure is portrayed standing in a dignified frontal pose, dressed in layered military robes and armour beneath a flowing ceremonial cloak. His unmistakable facial features include the long beard and stern expression traditionally associated with Guan Yu, while he holds his characteristic weapon upright at his side. The face is left unglazed in buff pottery, creating an attractive contrast with the soft jade-green celadon glaze that covers the remainder of the sculpture.
Figures of Guan Yu became especially popular during the Ming Dynasty, when his cult flourished among military officials, merchants and scholars alike. He was venerated as a symbol of unwavering loyalty, justice, integrity and protection, and his images were commonly placed in temples, ancestral halls and wealthy households. The elegant crackled celadon glaze, together with the carefully modelled drapery and expressive facial treatment, reflects the refined ceramic production of the late Ming period.
The hollow interior and open base are entirely consistent with the firing techniques employed for large Ming ceramic sculptures. The sculpture retains an attractive, well-preserved celadon glaze with fine crazing and displays the balanced proportions and strong sculptural quality characteristic of devotional figures produced during this period.
Material: Celadon-glazed terracotta
Culture: Chinese, Ming Dynasty
Date: 14th to 17th Century AD
Dimensions: 25 cm
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands. From a Belgian private collection assembled during the 1990s.
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 Celadon Figure of Guan Yu – Ming Dynasty, 14th to 17th Century AD
A finely modelled Chinese celadon-glazed earthenware figure depicting the legendary general Guan Yu (Guandi), one of the most revered military heroes in Chinese history and later deified as the God of War, loyalty and righteousness. The figure is portrayed standing in a dignified frontal pose, dressed in layered military robes and armour beneath a flowing ceremonial cloak. His unmistakable facial features include the long beard and stern expression traditionally associated with Guan Yu, while he holds his characteristic weapon upright at his side. The face is left unglazed in buff pottery, creating an attractive contrast with the soft jade-green celadon glaze that covers the remainder of the sculpture.
Figures of Guan Yu became especially popular during the Ming Dynasty, when his cult flourished among military officials, merchants and scholars alike. He was venerated as a symbol of unwavering loyalty, justice, integrity and protection, and his images were commonly placed in temples, ancestral halls and wealthy households. The elegant crackled celadon glaze, together with the carefully modelled drapery and expressive facial treatment, reflects the refined ceramic production of the late Ming period.
The hollow interior and open base are entirely consistent with the firing techniques employed for large Ming ceramic sculptures. The sculpture retains an attractive, well-preserved celadon glaze with fine crazing and displays the balanced proportions and strong sculptural quality characteristic of devotional figures produced during this period.
Material: Celadon-glazed terracotta
Culture: Chinese, Ming Dynasty
Date: 14th to 17th Century AD
Dimensions: 25 cm
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands. From a Belgian private collection assembled during the 1990s.
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, Ming dynasty
Century/timeframe
14th to 17th Century AD
Name of object
Celadon Guan Yu 14th to 17th Century AD
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
25 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1940
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
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.
