Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi - 25 cm

China – Mingqi courtier attendant funerary figure – Tang Dynasty
Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, depicting a standing courtier attendant, dressed in a long ceremonial cross-collared robe. The figure adopts the solemn, frontal pose characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with arms clasped before the abdomen and hands seemingly hidden beneath the wide sleeves.

With stylised, markedly vertical proportions, the body extends into a long robe that elegantly widens toward the base. The face features deliberately sober modelling, with softly defined features and hair indicated by a dark pigment area.

Especially attractive is the preservation of remnants of the original polychromy, with red pigment observed on the collar of the garment and a sequence of vertical lines on the sleeves or hands folded before the body. The surface also retains abundant traces of a clear preparatory layer or engobe, along with earth deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological piece.

The lower part remains hollow and open, showing the fabrication process of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chipping typical of its age, as well as a fissure visible on the side; nevertheless, it retains the characteristic silhouette and a very striking sculptural presence.

These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were deposited in the tombs of Chinese elites to represent servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife.

Material: molded terracotta with traces of engobe and red and black polychromy.
Dimensions: 25.5 × 12 × 5 cm.
Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE.
Condition: good considering its age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, small damages and a lateral crack visible in photographs.

Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, C14 testing, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans, have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.