Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta TL Tested – Large Chinese Han Dynasty Terracotta Standing Attendant – Mingqi Funerary Figure – Circa - 59 cm
02
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03
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Current bid
€ 1,200
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 5,000 - € 6,100
 | €1,200 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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This ancient Chinese Han dynasty funerary figure, known as a “Stickman”, is made of terracotta, stands 59 cm tall and is accompanied by a copy of an ASA thermoluminescence report.
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Description from the seller
China – Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) – Grand funerary statue « Stickman » – Thermoluminescence ASA
A remarkable figure in ancient Chinese funerary art
This important life-size terracotta anthropomorphic statuette, known as « Stickman », belongs to the tradition of funerary figures created during the Han dynasty, about 1,800 to 2,200 years ago.
It depicts a standing male figure, recognizable by his particularly slender silhouette, long legs, and the clean handling of the anatomy. The face, with delicately shaped features, presents a serene expression, while the hairstyle is carefully rendered.
The shoulders feature circular openings intended to receive attached arms, probably originally made in a perishable material.
Funerary and symbolic function
Known as mingqi, these statuettes were placed in tombs to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
They illustrate the beliefs of ancient China, according to which the funerary furniture should symbolically extend the conditions of earthly life.
Through its slender proportions and pared-down form, this figure also possesses an unexpectedly contemporary sculptural presence.
Thermoluminescence – ASA Laboratory
The statuette is accompanied by a copy of thermoluminescence analysis documentation performed by the ASA laboratory, under the responsibility of Francine Maurer, dated November 5, 2005.
Sample reference: 502121 B.
The thermoluminescence curves as well as the measured equivalent dose are reproduced in the attached scientific document, constituting an important element of the study file for this piece.
Characteristics and condition
* Origin: China.
* Period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
* Material: terracotta.
* Typology: anthropomorphic funerary statuette « Stickman ».
* Height: about 60 cm.
* Presentation: black metal base.
* Condition: old patina, signs of wear and surface alterations visible, in line with the photographs. Arms missing. One leg has been reattached, with a visible restoration line.
* Documentation: ASA thermoluminescence analysis, 2005.
Display and shipping
Mounted on a black metal base, this statuette stands out for its slender silhouette and sober aesthetics. It will naturally find its place within a collection of Chinese archaeology or in a contemporary interior.
Given its age and fragility, it will benefit from particularly careful packaging suitable for its conservation and insured transport.
China – Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) – Grand funerary statue « Stickman » – Thermoluminescence ASA
A remarkable figure in ancient Chinese funerary art
This important life-size terracotta anthropomorphic statuette, known as « Stickman », belongs to the tradition of funerary figures created during the Han dynasty, about 1,800 to 2,200 years ago.
It depicts a standing male figure, recognizable by his particularly slender silhouette, long legs, and the clean handling of the anatomy. The face, with delicately shaped features, presents a serene expression, while the hairstyle is carefully rendered.
The shoulders feature circular openings intended to receive attached arms, probably originally made in a perishable material.
Funerary and symbolic function
Known as mingqi, these statuettes were placed in tombs to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
They illustrate the beliefs of ancient China, according to which the funerary furniture should symbolically extend the conditions of earthly life.
Through its slender proportions and pared-down form, this figure also possesses an unexpectedly contemporary sculptural presence.
Thermoluminescence – ASA Laboratory
The statuette is accompanied by a copy of thermoluminescence analysis documentation performed by the ASA laboratory, under the responsibility of Francine Maurer, dated November 5, 2005.
Sample reference: 502121 B.
The thermoluminescence curves as well as the measured equivalent dose are reproduced in the attached scientific document, constituting an important element of the study file for this piece.
Characteristics and condition
* Origin: China.
* Period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
* Material: terracotta.
* Typology: anthropomorphic funerary statuette « Stickman ».
* Height: about 60 cm.
* Presentation: black metal base.
* Condition: old patina, signs of wear and surface alterations visible, in line with the photographs. Arms missing. One leg has been reattached, with a visible restoration line.
* Documentation: ASA thermoluminescence analysis, 2005.
Display and shipping
Mounted on a black metal base, this statuette stands out for its slender silhouette and sober aesthetics. It will naturally find its place within a collection of Chinese archaeology or in a contemporary interior.
Given its age and fragility, it will benefit from particularly careful packaging suitable for its conservation and insured transport.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
3 eme
Name of object
TL Tested – Large Chinese Han Dynasty Terracotta Standing Attendant – Mingqi Funerary Figure – Circa
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
59 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Width
12 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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
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.
