Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Sichuan musician or storyteller — Han Dynasty - 29 cm
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Current bid
€ 80
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,500
 | €80 | |
|---|---|---|
| €50 | |
 | €1 |
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This second-century Han dynasty terracotta figure from Sichuan depicts a seated musician or storyteller with one arm raised and measures 29 × 19 × 15 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 CE).
Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and surface concretions.
Outstanding terracotta figure representing a musician, jongleur or storyteller, belonging to the renowned funerary sculptural tradition of Sichuan province during the Han Dynasty.
The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, prominent belly, expressive smiling face, and one arm raised in a theatrical gesture. Its composition conveys extraordinary dynamism and a sense of humor, distinctive features of these representations of popular artists in ancient China.
This type of figures, known as shuochang yong (俑说唱), depict traveling narrators and performers who entertained the public through stories, music, gesturing, and comic performances.
They constitute one of the most original manifestations of Han funerary art, notable for naturalism, spontaneity, and the ability to depict scenes of everyday life, away from the rigid ceremonial style of other contemporary sculptures.
Condition: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, encrustations, and wear consistent with its present state. Retains an especially expressive sculptural presence.
Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storyteller figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funerary sculpture from the Han era. Related exemplars are represented in important international museum collections.
A piece of notable character, expressiveness, and decorative appeal, representative of one of the most singular sculptural traditions of ancient China.
Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 CE).
Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and surface concretions.
Outstanding terracotta figure representing a musician, jongleur or storyteller, belonging to the renowned funerary sculptural tradition of Sichuan province during the Han Dynasty.
The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, prominent belly, expressive smiling face, and one arm raised in a theatrical gesture. Its composition conveys extraordinary dynamism and a sense of humor, distinctive features of these representations of popular artists in ancient China.
This type of figures, known as shuochang yong (俑说唱), depict traveling narrators and performers who entertained the public through stories, music, gesturing, and comic performances.
They constitute one of the most original manifestations of Han funerary art, notable for naturalism, spontaneity, and the ability to depict scenes of everyday life, away from the rigid ceremonial style of other contemporary sculptures.
Condition: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, encrustations, and wear consistent with its present state. Retains an especially expressive sculptural presence.
Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storyteller figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funerary sculpture from the Han era. Related exemplars are represented in important international museum collections.
A piece of notable character, expressiveness, and decorative appeal, representative of one of the most singular sculptural traditions of ancient China.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
SII
Name of object
Sichuan musician or storyteller — Han Dynasty
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
29 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
19 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
15 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
