Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Sichuan musician or storyteller — Han Dynasty - 30 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
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A terracotta figure of a Sichuan musician or storyteller from Han-dynasty China, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 AD), measuring 30 × 22 × 19 cm.
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Description from the seller
Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220)
China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 AD).
Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and superficial concretions.
Extraordinary terracotta figure representing a musician, minstrel, or storyteller, belonging to Sichuan province’s famous funeral sculptural tradition during the Han Dynasty.
The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, a prominent belly, an 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 the traveling narrators and artists who entertained the public with stories, music, gestures, and comic performances.
They constitute one of the most original expressions of Han funeral art, notable for their naturalism, spontaneity, and ability to depict scenes of daily life, distant from the rigid ceremonial of other contemporary sculptures.
Conservation status: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, encrustations, and wear consistent with its current condition. Retains an especially expressive sculptural presence.
Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storytellers’ figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funeral sculpture from the Han period. Related pieces 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 BC–AD 220)
China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 AD).
Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and superficial concretions.
Extraordinary terracotta figure representing a musician, minstrel, or storyteller, belonging to Sichuan province’s famous funeral sculptural tradition during the Han Dynasty.
The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, a prominent belly, an 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 the traveling narrators and artists who entertained the public with stories, music, gestures, and comic performances.
They constitute one of the most original expressions of Han funeral art, notable for their naturalism, spontaneity, and ability to depict scenes of daily life, distant from the rigid ceremonial of other contemporary sculptures.
Conservation status: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, encrustations, and wear consistent with its current condition. Retains an especially expressive sculptural presence.
Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storytellers’ figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funeral sculpture from the Han period. Related pieces 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
Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.)
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
30 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
22 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
19 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.
