Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Glazed Terracotta Draped Altar Table Statuette (No reserve price)





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Description from the seller
A nicely modelled Ming Dynasty miniature offering in the form of a draped altar table. The table is rectangular in shape with turquoise glazed panels depicting the drapery, rendered in a naturalistic style. A short black border further decorates the top of the table. The table top is depicted with a black glazed rectangular panel, surrounded by a turquoise border. The table features three sides, and the table top, while the back of the table and the bottom are left open. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as wear and damage to the glaze in several areas, cracks, chips, scratches, and surface pitting.
The Ming Dynasty played host to some of China’s most renowned artistic achievements. The culture’s artistic explosion can be in part explained by the Ming dynasty’s economic success. In ancient China it was common practice to bury terracotta miniature of utilitarian and ornamental objects with the deceased. These objects were offered to assist and help the deceased in the afterlife, and they would have been modelled in the shape of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of their houses, as well as a range of furniture and other items.
Measurements: (circa) L 13.7cm x W 8.6cm x H 9.7cm
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
A nicely modelled Ming Dynasty miniature offering in the form of a draped altar table. The table is rectangular in shape with turquoise glazed panels depicting the drapery, rendered in a naturalistic style. A short black border further decorates the top of the table. The table top is depicted with a black glazed rectangular panel, surrounded by a turquoise border. The table features three sides, and the table top, while the back of the table and the bottom are left open. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as wear and damage to the glaze in several areas, cracks, chips, scratches, and surface pitting.
The Ming Dynasty played host to some of China’s most renowned artistic achievements. The culture’s artistic explosion can be in part explained by the Ming dynasty’s economic success. In ancient China it was common practice to bury terracotta miniature of utilitarian and ornamental objects with the deceased. These objects were offered to assist and help the deceased in the afterlife, and they would have been modelled in the shape of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of their houses, as well as a range of furniture and other items.
Measurements: (circa) L 13.7cm x W 8.6cm x H 9.7cm
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
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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.
