Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi - 26 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
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Description from the seller
Female funerary figure or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with traces of slip and pigment
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD
Approx. 26 × 5 × 4 cm
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, probably representing a lady or attendant of the funerary entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long robe that falls almost to the base. The arms appear folded in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head constitutes one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, a delicately defined nose, and remaining pigment on the features, while the hair rises to form a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a circumstance clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earthy deposits, traces of light slip, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosions, cracks, and superficial losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photographs.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funeral practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, C14 tests, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Female funerary figure or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with traces of slip and pigment
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD
Approx. 26 × 5 × 4 cm
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, probably representing a lady or attendant of the funerary entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long robe that falls almost to the base. The arms appear folded in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head constitutes one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, a delicately defined nose, and remaining pigment on the features, while the hair rises to form a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a circumstance clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earthy deposits, traces of light slip, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosions, cracks, and superficial losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photographs.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funeral practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, C14 tests, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
206AC
Name of object
Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
26 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
4 cm
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.
