Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta "Stick Man" Figure – (206 B.C. – 8 A.D.) - 57 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 3,000 - € 3,700
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Ancient Chinese Han dynasty terracotta 'Stick Man' figure, 57 cm tall (excluding stand), acquired in 2025 from the Netherlands, previously owned in Hong Kong since 2001, from a private collection, in very good condition with original pigment and mounted on a custom marble base.
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Description from the seller
Origin: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
Height: 57 cm (excluding stand), 64 cm (with stand)
Description
An exceptionally rare funerary figure from the Western Han Dynasty, this “Stick Man” sculpture is a striking example of early Chinese ceramic artistry. Standing 66 cm tall, the figure features a slender, abstract form, finely modelled facial features, and original pigment in hues of red, black, white, and pink. Hollow sockets in the shoulders once held articulated wooden arms, now lost to time.
These minimalist figures were exclusive to the imperial elite and buried in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They were once dressed in elaborate garments, now decomposed after more than 2,200 years underground.
Display
-Mounted on a high-quality, custom-carved marble base
-Enhances both visual presentation and stability
-Elegant and timeless—suitable for gallery, museum, or luxury private collection
Note: Figures of this type were reserved for nobility and forbidden to commoners, making them exceedingly rare and culturally significant.
Provenance
This piece comes from a highly important private collection, held since 2001 and acquired by the renowned trend analyst and bestselling author Mr. A. B. in 2001. Mr. B. is a respected international keynote speaker, media personality, and author of over a million books sold, known for his insights into culture and innovation.
Condition
-Very good condition for its age
-Original pigment remains visible
-Minor wear consistent with burial and excavation
-Possible professional restoration to the neck legs
-All ancient Chinese pottery figures have undergone natural aging and may exhibit signs of historical restoration due to centuries of burial.
Certification & Legality
-Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (Chinese pottery specialists since 1969)
-Guaranteed to be of the described period and origin
-Fully legal to buy and sell under international and Dutch cultural patrimony laws
-Money-back guarantee if not as described
Shipping & Handling
-Professionally packed and shipped in a custom wooden crate
-Dispatched within 3 working days
-Fully insured shipping via FedEx for your peace of mind
Why Collect Han Dynasty Figures?
Han Dynasty funerary art reflects a time of extraordinary cultural sophistication and spiritual belief. These figures offer a tangible connection to one of China's most influential dynasties and are increasingly sought after by museums, collectors, and investors worldwide.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is 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.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
Origin: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
Height: 57 cm (excluding stand), 64 cm (with stand)
Description
An exceptionally rare funerary figure from the Western Han Dynasty, this “Stick Man” sculpture is a striking example of early Chinese ceramic artistry. Standing 66 cm tall, the figure features a slender, abstract form, finely modelled facial features, and original pigment in hues of red, black, white, and pink. Hollow sockets in the shoulders once held articulated wooden arms, now lost to time.
These minimalist figures were exclusive to the imperial elite and buried in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They were once dressed in elaborate garments, now decomposed after more than 2,200 years underground.
Display
-Mounted on a high-quality, custom-carved marble base
-Enhances both visual presentation and stability
-Elegant and timeless—suitable for gallery, museum, or luxury private collection
Note: Figures of this type were reserved for nobility and forbidden to commoners, making them exceedingly rare and culturally significant.
Provenance
This piece comes from a highly important private collection, held since 2001 and acquired by the renowned trend analyst and bestselling author Mr. A. B. in 2001. Mr. B. is a respected international keynote speaker, media personality, and author of over a million books sold, known for his insights into culture and innovation.
Condition
-Very good condition for its age
-Original pigment remains visible
-Minor wear consistent with burial and excavation
-Possible professional restoration to the neck legs
-All ancient Chinese pottery figures have undergone natural aging and may exhibit signs of historical restoration due to centuries of burial.
Certification & Legality
-Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (Chinese pottery specialists since 1969)
-Guaranteed to be of the described period and origin
-Fully legal to buy and sell under international and Dutch cultural patrimony laws
-Money-back guarantee if not as described
Shipping & Handling
-Professionally packed and shipped in a custom wooden crate
-Dispatched within 3 working days
-Fully insured shipping via FedEx for your peace of mind
Why Collect Han Dynasty Figures?
Han Dynasty funerary art reflects a time of extraordinary cultural sophistication and spiritual belief. These figures offer a tangible connection to one of China's most influential dynasties and are increasingly sought after by museums, collectors, and investors worldwide.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is 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.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
2nd c.
Name of object
Terracotta "Stick Man" Figure – (206 B.C. – 8 A.D.)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
57 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2001
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
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