Ancient Chinese Terracotta Tang Dynasty Camel Figure with TL Test - 33.8 cm

07
days
23
hours
49
minutes
42
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 2,500 - € 3,000
No bids placed

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 122713 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Tang Dynasty Camel Figure with TL Test, a terracotta sculpture from Ancient China dating to the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), standing 33.8 cm high and 30 cm long in Good condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Camel figure on base (618-906 AD). Tang Dynasty. China. Terracotta. Height: 33.8 cm. Length: 30 cm.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) was one of the greatest in Imperial Chinese history. The Tang Era is heralded as a golden age. It witnessed the prosperity of culture, economy, diplomacy and politics under a unified government.

This Tang Dynasty terracotta figure depicts a naturalistically rendered Bactrian camel, showcasing the exceptional artistry of the period. The figure is presented standing on four legs, firmly secured to a base, allowing for a stable and lifelike posture. The camel features two prominent humps rising from its back, characteristic of the Bactrian breed, which was commonly depicted in Tang Dynasty art due to the importance of the Silk Road and the camel's role in trade. Its long neck gracefully extends upward, culminating in a slightly raised head, suggesting alertness or movement. The mouth is open, possibly indicating a dynamic or realistic expression, enhancing the figure’s sense of life and realism.

This tomb figure, which likely served as a funerary offering, exemplifies the Tang Dynasty’s exceptional skill in terracotta sculpture. It measures 33.8 cm in height and 30 cm in length, capturing a precise and delicate portrayal of the animal’s features. The figure, dating from 618-906 CE, provides insight into both the artistic accomplishments of the time and the cultural significance of camels in the context of the Silk Road, trade, and daily life in ancient China. The use of terracotta, a medium often employed for its durability and suitability for large-scale production, further attests to the importance of such figures in the tombs of the elite during the Tang period.

Provenance: Purchased by the current owner to an English art gallery.
Attached thermoluminescence certificate from QED Laboratoire.

The supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.Important information: The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.

Camel figure on base (618-906 AD). Tang Dynasty. China. Terracotta. Height: 33.8 cm. Length: 30 cm.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) was one of the greatest in Imperial Chinese history. The Tang Era is heralded as a golden age. It witnessed the prosperity of culture, economy, diplomacy and politics under a unified government.

This Tang Dynasty terracotta figure depicts a naturalistically rendered Bactrian camel, showcasing the exceptional artistry of the period. The figure is presented standing on four legs, firmly secured to a base, allowing for a stable and lifelike posture. The camel features two prominent humps rising from its back, characteristic of the Bactrian breed, which was commonly depicted in Tang Dynasty art due to the importance of the Silk Road and the camel's role in trade. Its long neck gracefully extends upward, culminating in a slightly raised head, suggesting alertness or movement. The mouth is open, possibly indicating a dynamic or realistic expression, enhancing the figure’s sense of life and realism.

This tomb figure, which likely served as a funerary offering, exemplifies the Tang Dynasty’s exceptional skill in terracotta sculpture. It measures 33.8 cm in height and 30 cm in length, capturing a precise and delicate portrayal of the animal’s features. The figure, dating from 618-906 CE, provides insight into both the artistic accomplishments of the time and the cultural significance of camels in the context of the Silk Road, trade, and daily life in ancient China. The use of terracotta, a medium often employed for its durability and suitability for large-scale production, further attests to the importance of such figures in the tombs of the elite during the Tang period.

Provenance: Purchased by the current owner to an English art gallery.
Attached thermoluminescence certificate from QED Laboratoire.

The supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.Important information: The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.

Details

Culture
Ancient Chinese
Century/ Timeframe
Tang dynasty (618 - 907 A.D. )
Name of object
Tang Dynasty Camel Figure with TL Test
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Material
Terracotta
Condition
Good
Height
33.8 cm
SpainVerified
289
Objects sold
pro

Disclaimer

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.

Similar objects

For you in

Archaeology