Han Dynasty, Ceramic Sleeping Sheep - 12 cm

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€ 1
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Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 1,100 - € 1,400
SI
€1

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Han Dynasty terracotta Sleeping Sheep, a reclining ram dating to ca. 1st–2nd century AD, approximately 12 cm long and in good condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Chinese Han Dynasty, ca. 1st–2nd Century AD
Material: Terracotta
Size: Approx. 12 cm in length
Description
A Chinese Han Dynasty terracotta figure of a reclining ram, dating to approximately the 1st–2nd century AD. The figure is modeled in a compact and substantial form, displaying the characteristic simplicity and sculptural vitality of early Chinese animal pottery.
Subject & Form:
The ram is depicted in a reclining position with its legs tucked beneath the body. The head is raised and turned slightly to one side, with prominently modeled curved horns extending backward. The facial features, ears and muzzle are rendered in a restrained yet expressive manner. The broad body and rounded haunches emphasize the animal's substantial physical presence.
Material & Surface:
The figure is made of terracotta with a predominantly greyish-brown to earthen-toned surface. The surface displays areas of natural weathering, soil encrustation, firing marks, abrasion, pores and minor losses consistent with an aged ceramic object.
Artistic Characteristics:
Animal-shaped pottery was widely produced in ancient China and was frequently associated with funerary contexts. This reclining ram demonstrates the characteristic emphasis on simplified form, volume and naturalistic animal posture found in early Chinese ceramic sculpture.


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.

Chinese Han Dynasty, ca. 1st–2nd Century AD
Material: Terracotta
Size: Approx. 12 cm in length
Description
A Chinese Han Dynasty terracotta figure of a reclining ram, dating to approximately the 1st–2nd century AD. The figure is modeled in a compact and substantial form, displaying the characteristic simplicity and sculptural vitality of early Chinese animal pottery.
Subject & Form:
The ram is depicted in a reclining position with its legs tucked beneath the body. The head is raised and turned slightly to one side, with prominently modeled curved horns extending backward. The facial features, ears and muzzle are rendered in a restrained yet expressive manner. The broad body and rounded haunches emphasize the animal's substantial physical presence.
Material & Surface:
The figure is made of terracotta with a predominantly greyish-brown to earthen-toned surface. The surface displays areas of natural weathering, soil encrustation, firing marks, abrasion, pores and minor losses consistent with an aged ceramic object.
Artistic Characteristics:
Animal-shaped pottery was widely produced in ancient China and was frequently associated with funerary contexts. This reclining ram demonstrates the characteristic emphasis on simplified form, volume and naturalistic animal posture found in early Chinese ceramic sculpture.


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
Han Dynasty,
Century/timeframe
ca. 1st–2nd Century AD
Name of object
Sleeping Sheep
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
1988
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gifted
Height
12 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
Hong KongVerified
229
Objects sold
100%
Private

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.

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