Sui Dynasty Ceramic Tomb Guardian ( Zhenmushou ) - 25 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
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Description from the seller
Sui Dynasty Painted Terracotta Tomb Guardian
Date: Sui Dynasty, 581–618 AD
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: Approx. 25 cm
Description
A Chinese Sui Dynasty painted terracotta tomb guardian, dating to the late 6th–early 7th century AD. The guardian is modeled in a seated posture with a substantial body and elongated forelimbs. Its raised head features an expressive human-like face, large ears and a prominent crest-like element at the top.
Subject & Form:
The figure combines anthropomorphic facial features with a powerful, animal-like body, characteristic of the supernatural imagery associated with ancient Chinese funerary sculpture. The strongly modeled facial features include prominent eyes, nose and lips, creating a solemn and imposing expression. The broad body and compact seated posture emphasize its sculptural mass and protective character.
Pigment & Surface:
The reddish terracotta body retains traces of original polychrome decoration, including red, orange, white and dark pigments. The surface exhibits extensive age-related wear, pigment loss, soil encrustation, weathering and minor losses, revealing different layers of the original painted decoration.
Artistic Characteristics:
Tomb guardians played an important role in the funerary traditions of ancient China, serving as supernatural protectors of the deceased. This example reflects the transitional artistic character of the Sui Dynasty, combining the robust modeling traditions of the Northern Dynasties with the developing sculptural vocabulary of the early Tang period.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Sui Dynasty Painted Terracotta Tomb Guardian
Date: Sui Dynasty, 581–618 AD
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: Approx. 25 cm
Description
A Chinese Sui Dynasty painted terracotta tomb guardian, dating to the late 6th–early 7th century AD. The guardian is modeled in a seated posture with a substantial body and elongated forelimbs. Its raised head features an expressive human-like face, large ears and a prominent crest-like element at the top.
Subject & Form:
The figure combines anthropomorphic facial features with a powerful, animal-like body, characteristic of the supernatural imagery associated with ancient Chinese funerary sculpture. The strongly modeled facial features include prominent eyes, nose and lips, creating a solemn and imposing expression. The broad body and compact seated posture emphasize its sculptural mass and protective character.
Pigment & Surface:
The reddish terracotta body retains traces of original polychrome decoration, including red, orange, white and dark pigments. The surface exhibits extensive age-related wear, pigment loss, soil encrustation, weathering and minor losses, revealing different layers of the original painted decoration.
Artistic Characteristics:
Tomb guardians played an important role in the funerary traditions of ancient China, serving as supernatural protectors of the deceased. This example reflects the transitional artistic character of the Sui Dynasty, combining the robust modeling traditions of the Northern Dynasties with the developing sculptural vocabulary of the early Tang period.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Sui Dynasty
Century/timeframe
581–618 AD
Name of object
Tomb Guardian ( Zhenmushou )
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
1988
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Poor
Previous owner acquired from
Gifted
Height
25 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
Previous owner - country acquired from
China
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.
