Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Seated Court Lady Holding a dog. With TL Test - 37 cm
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days
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Current bid
€ 3,250
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 8,200 - € 10,100
 | €3,250 | |
|---|---|---|
| €208 | |
 | €198 | |
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This original Tang dynasty terracotta figure, dated to the 8th century, depicts a seated court lady holding a small dog and is accompanied by a thermoluminescence test certificate.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An Exceptionally Rare Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Seated Court Lady Holding a Small Dog
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Dimensions: Height 37 cm × Width 16 cm × Depth 14 cm
-Accompanied by a Thermoluminescence Test Certificate from Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, confirming an age consistent with the Tang Dynasty.
-Provenance
The Private Collection of Mr. J. P. S., a distinguished Amsterdam judge and art collector, the Netherlands.
Acquired from his estate following his passing.
An exceptionally rare and highly captivating painted pottery figure depicting an elegantly dressed, generously proportioned court lady seated upon a rounded stool, tenderly holding a small dog in her folded arms.
The lady is portrayed with a beautifully modelled, full face, delicately arched eyebrows, narrow almond-shaped eyes, small vermilion lips, and prominently rounded cheeks retaining their original soft pink pigmentation. Her elaborate dark coiffure is arranged high upon her head, reflecting the fashionable hairstyles associated with aristocratic women of the Tang Dynasty.
She wears a magnificent, flowing, deep-red robe with exceptionally wide sleeves and gracefully cascading folds. Particularly remarkable is the surviving polychrome decoration, including delicate blue-green floral and geometric medallions distributed across the richly coloured garment. The vivid red pigment, contrasting with the pale complexion and dark hair, creates an extraordinarily striking composition.
The most distinctive and unusual feature is the small dog resting comfortably in her arms. Delicately modelled with an elongated muzzle, drooping ears, and traces of its original painted details, the animal adds an intimate and charming dimension to the sculpture. The inclusion of a companion dog provides a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious domestic life and refined tastes of the Tang aristocracy, among whom small dogs were prized companions.
The combination of the seated posture, imposing proportions, elaborate hairstyle, richly decorated red robe, and exceptionally uncommon representation of a pet dog makes this sculpture particularly remarkable.
While figures of Tang court ladies are well represented in Chinese funerary sculpture, examples depicting a seated lady holding a small dog are distinctly unusual and seldom encountered on the international art market.
Standing an impressive 37 centimetres high, the sculpture retains extensive original painted decoration, with natural surface wear, pigment losses, and earthy deposits consistent with its considerable age.
The figure is accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis performed by the renowned German Laboratory Kotalla, report no. 02B180319, recording an age of 1,150 years ±14%, consistent with a Tang Dynasty attribution.
A highly unusual and visually compelling example of Tang Dynasty funerary sculpture, combining remarkable surviving polychromy, refined modelling, and a charming subject rarely represented in surviving pottery figures of this period.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Guarantee
Guaranteed to be Tang Dynasty, legally acquired and legal to buy and sell under all applicable cultural patrimony laws. A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1966), accompanies the piece.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by FedEx of DHL with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
An Exceptionally Rare Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Seated Court Lady Holding a Small Dog
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Dimensions: Height 37 cm × Width 16 cm × Depth 14 cm
-Accompanied by a Thermoluminescence Test Certificate from Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, confirming an age consistent with the Tang Dynasty.
-Provenance
The Private Collection of Mr. J. P. S., a distinguished Amsterdam judge and art collector, the Netherlands.
Acquired from his estate following his passing.
An exceptionally rare and highly captivating painted pottery figure depicting an elegantly dressed, generously proportioned court lady seated upon a rounded stool, tenderly holding a small dog in her folded arms.
The lady is portrayed with a beautifully modelled, full face, delicately arched eyebrows, narrow almond-shaped eyes, small vermilion lips, and prominently rounded cheeks retaining their original soft pink pigmentation. Her elaborate dark coiffure is arranged high upon her head, reflecting the fashionable hairstyles associated with aristocratic women of the Tang Dynasty.
She wears a magnificent, flowing, deep-red robe with exceptionally wide sleeves and gracefully cascading folds. Particularly remarkable is the surviving polychrome decoration, including delicate blue-green floral and geometric medallions distributed across the richly coloured garment. The vivid red pigment, contrasting with the pale complexion and dark hair, creates an extraordinarily striking composition.
The most distinctive and unusual feature is the small dog resting comfortably in her arms. Delicately modelled with an elongated muzzle, drooping ears, and traces of its original painted details, the animal adds an intimate and charming dimension to the sculpture. The inclusion of a companion dog provides a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious domestic life and refined tastes of the Tang aristocracy, among whom small dogs were prized companions.
The combination of the seated posture, imposing proportions, elaborate hairstyle, richly decorated red robe, and exceptionally uncommon representation of a pet dog makes this sculpture particularly remarkable.
While figures of Tang court ladies are well represented in Chinese funerary sculpture, examples depicting a seated lady holding a small dog are distinctly unusual and seldom encountered on the international art market.
Standing an impressive 37 centimetres high, the sculpture retains extensive original painted decoration, with natural surface wear, pigment losses, and earthy deposits consistent with its considerable age.
The figure is accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis performed by the renowned German Laboratory Kotalla, report no. 02B180319, recording an age of 1,150 years ±14%, consistent with a Tang Dynasty attribution.
A highly unusual and visually compelling example of Tang Dynasty funerary sculpture, combining remarkable surviving polychromy, refined modelling, and a charming subject rarely represented in surviving pottery figures of this period.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Guarantee
Guaranteed to be Tang Dynasty, legally acquired and legal to buy and sell under all applicable cultural patrimony laws. A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1966), accompanies the piece.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by FedEx of DHL with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
8th c. AD
Name of object
Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Seated Court Lady Holding a dog. With TL Test
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
37 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Width
16 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
14 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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