Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta TL Tested – Majestic 78 cm Dignitary - 78 cm (No reserve price)

A MAJESTIC PRESENCE FROM ANCIENT CHINA

With its 78 cm in height, this imposing terracotta dignitary combines a slender silhouette, an expressive face, and a tall, ornate headdress.

Its allure is immediate: a gaze of authority, long generous sleeves, and a perfectly balanced posture grant it a strong sculptural presence. Full face, the composition expresses dignity and restraint; in profile, it reveals the finesse of the modeling and the elegance of the proportions.

A work that is appreciated as much as a whole as in its details, capable of becoming the focal point of a Chinese art collection.

ELEGANCE OF A CEREMONIAL ATTIRE

The dignitary stands upright, hands joined in front of the torso, wrapped in the wide sleeves of his robe.

The drapes fall in elongated folds, guiding the eye down to the feet and emphasizing the verticality of the silhouette. The tall decorative headdress crowns the whole and reinforces the solemn character of the figure.

Special care has been given to the face. The clearly drawn eyebrows, the delicately modeled eyes, and the bold contours of the mouth compose an expression of tranquil authority. This work gives the dignitary a true personality, which is the essence of the sculpture.

A SUBTLE PALETTE AND LIVING MATERIAL

The remnants of the light-colored glaze contrast with the warm tones of the terracotta. Traces of red pigments remain visible, notably at the neck, hands, and shoes, hinting at the richness of its coloration.

The combination of cream, earth-toned hues, and subdued red gives the whole a soft, warm tone. Surface wear reveals the material, while the details of the face, headdress, and garment remain legible.

AN ANCIENT FIRING SUPPORTED BY SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

The sculpture is accompanied by thermoluminescence report No. 01R270926, prepared by the Kotalla laboratory on October 1, 2026.

The report mentions three samplings taken from distinct parts of the sculpture:

• The head.
• The back.
• The base.

The laboratory places the last firing of the analyzed samples at around 1,240 years ago, with a margin of ± 16.4%. This result is compatible with attribution to the Tang period (618–907).

The report also specifies that the pre-dose test confirms an ancient firing, with no artificial X-ray treatment detected.

This document identifies the sculpture by its photograph and indicates a height of 78 cm. It is attached to the sale.

A CENTRAL PIECE FOR A COLLECTION

In its size, expressive face, and the richness of its costume, this dignitary lends itself particularly to individual presentation, allowing appreciation of its full silhouette.

Placed on an appropriate pedestal, it fully extends its presence: a sculpture whose strength rests on the balance between the solemnity of the posture, the delicacy of the details, and the character of the terracotta.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Origin: China.
• Attribution: Tang era, 618–907.
• Subject: standing dignitary in ceremonial attire.
• Material: terracotta with remnants of light glaze and pigments.
• Height: 78 cm, according to the Kotalla report.
• Weight: 5.7 kg.
• Documentation: Kotalla thermoluminescence report No. 01R270926, dated October 1, 2026.
• Sampling zones: head, back, and base.

CONDITION

No restoration visible on visual inspection.

The surface shows wear, loss of glaze and polychromy, small chips and irregularities visible in the photographs. The facial features, headdress ornaments, and folds of the garment remain well defined.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow appreciating the sculpture’s condition and surface from different angles.

An imposing and expressive work, combining the elegance of ceremonial attire, the presence of a large-format sculpture, and documented thermoluminescence analysis.