Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Painted Pottery Figure of a Court Lady - 26.5 cm
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Current bid
€ 23
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,900 - € 2,100
 | €23 | |
|---|---|---|
| €20 | |
 | €5 | |
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This 26.5 cm Tang Dynasty (8th century) Chinese terracotta figure depicts a standing court lady with traces of orange-red pigment.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Rare Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Height: 26.5 cm
- Provenance: The private collection of Mr. J. P. S., a distinguished Amsterdam judge and art collector, the Netherlands. Acquired from his estate.
A graceful and highly appealing Tang Dynasty painted pottery figure of a standing court lady, notable for her elegant proportions, serene bearing, and attractive remains of original orange-red pigmentation.
The figure stands upright with her hands gently clasped before her, holding the long trailing folds of her robe in a composed and dignified gesture. Her body is slender and elongated, conveying the refined courtly taste so admired in Tang funerary sculpture. The softly modelled face, with its calm expression and understated features, gives the figure a quiet sense of poise and nobility.
Particularly attractive are the surviving traces of original orange-red pigment, still visible along the sleeves, around the hands, and especially in the long vertical drapery falling from the front of the robe. These vivid remnants of colour animate the sculpture beautifully and provide an evocative impression of its original appearance. The contrast between the pale buff pottery body and the warm orange-red decoration gives the figure a gentle yet unmistakable decorative presence.
The hairstyle is another charming feature, arranged high on the head in a compact coiffure or gathered topknot, with a softly swelling mass of hair falling behind. This sculptural treatment gives the figure a refined silhouette and reflects the fashionable grooming associated with elegant women of the Tang court.
A particularly delightful and rather unusual feature is the treatment of the shoes, which emerge visibly beneath the hem of the robe. Their carefully modelled form adds both charm and individuality to the figure, and strengthens its sense of movement and presence. Such details are especially appreciated by collectors, as they bring liveliness and personality to the sculpture.
-Why This Figure Is Special
This court lady is especially appealing for several reasons:
- The survival of original orange-red pigment, which remains visually striking
- The elegantly trailing robe, held delicately before the figure
- The charming visibility of the shoes, an especially attractive detail
- The refined modelling and graceful stance
- Its distinguished provenance, from an important Amsterdam private collection
Although Tang court ladies are among the most admired forms of Chinese funerary sculpture, examples with such pleasing proportions, preserved colour, and attractive detail remain highly desirable.
A rare and elegant example of Tang Dynasty funerary art, distinguished by its slender proportions, serene expression, surviving orange-red pigmentation, and charmingly rendered shoes visible beneath the robe. The figure combines decorative beauty, courtly refinement, and strong collector appeal.
-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.
A Rare Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Height: 26.5 cm
- Provenance: The private collection of Mr. J. P. S., a distinguished Amsterdam judge and art collector, the Netherlands. Acquired from his estate.
A graceful and highly appealing Tang Dynasty painted pottery figure of a standing court lady, notable for her elegant proportions, serene bearing, and attractive remains of original orange-red pigmentation.
The figure stands upright with her hands gently clasped before her, holding the long trailing folds of her robe in a composed and dignified gesture. Her body is slender and elongated, conveying the refined courtly taste so admired in Tang funerary sculpture. The softly modelled face, with its calm expression and understated features, gives the figure a quiet sense of poise and nobility.
Particularly attractive are the surviving traces of original orange-red pigment, still visible along the sleeves, around the hands, and especially in the long vertical drapery falling from the front of the robe. These vivid remnants of colour animate the sculpture beautifully and provide an evocative impression of its original appearance. The contrast between the pale buff pottery body and the warm orange-red decoration gives the figure a gentle yet unmistakable decorative presence.
The hairstyle is another charming feature, arranged high on the head in a compact coiffure or gathered topknot, with a softly swelling mass of hair falling behind. This sculptural treatment gives the figure a refined silhouette and reflects the fashionable grooming associated with elegant women of the Tang court.
A particularly delightful and rather unusual feature is the treatment of the shoes, which emerge visibly beneath the hem of the robe. Their carefully modelled form adds both charm and individuality to the figure, and strengthens its sense of movement and presence. Such details are especially appreciated by collectors, as they bring liveliness and personality to the sculpture.
-Why This Figure Is Special
This court lady is especially appealing for several reasons:
- The survival of original orange-red pigment, which remains visually striking
- The elegantly trailing robe, held delicately before the figure
- The charming visibility of the shoes, an especially attractive detail
- The refined modelling and graceful stance
- Its distinguished provenance, from an important Amsterdam private collection
Although Tang court ladies are among the most admired forms of Chinese funerary sculpture, examples with such pleasing proportions, preserved colour, and attractive detail remain highly desirable.
A rare and elegant example of Tang Dynasty funerary art, distinguished by its slender proportions, serene expression, surviving orange-red pigmentation, and charmingly rendered shoes visible beneath the robe. The figure combines decorative beauty, courtly refinement, and strong collector appeal.
-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. A.D.
Name of object
Painted Pottery Figure of a Court Lady
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
26.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2006
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
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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