Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Rare Pair of Reclining Pottery Camels - 10 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,600 - € 3,100
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Description from the seller
Rare Pair of Reclining Pottery Camels
Tang Dynasty (618–907)
Height: 10 cm; Width: 15 cm each
This delightful pair of miniature pottery camels, each modeled in a reclining posture, represents an extremely rare form within Tang dynasty tomb sculpture. At just 10 cm in height and 15 cm in width, they stand out as exceptionally small-scale renderings of one of the most iconic Tang subjects. While monumental camels are well known and frequently encountered, figures of this intimate, portable size are almost unknown on the art market, making this pair particularly distinctive.
The camels are naturalistically sculpted, each with slightly different head positions, emphasizing individuality and movement despite their small proportions. The humps are clearly defined, the muzzles sensitively modeled, and traces of pigment still remain across the surface. Their kneeling posture recalls moments of rest during the arduous Silk Road caravans, evoking their essential role in carrying luxury goods and cultural exchanges that defined Tang prosperity and cosmopolitanism.
Condition
Both camels are in very good condition for works over 1,200 years old. As expected with excavated Tang pottery, minor surface wear and traces of consolidation are present, with small encrustations consistent with long burial. No major breaks or losses are visible; their compact size has helped preserve their forms with minimal damage. Repairs, where present, are discreet and entirely standard for Tang figures. Overall, their state of preservation is excellent for their age and type.
Rarity and Importance
While Tang tombs often included large-scale camels as emblems of trade, wealth, and connection to the Silk Road, this unusually small and finely executed pair likely formed part of a specially commissioned set. Their rarity lies not only in their intimate scale but also in their survival as a true pair — with complementary poses, subtle differences in modeling, and uniform surface patination, confirming their creation as a matched ensemble.
Such miniatures are virtually absent from museum collections and seldom appear on the market, making this pair an especially desirable addition for collectors of early Chinese art. They combine all the symbolism of Tang camel figures with the rarity and unique charm of miniature tomb sculpture.
Shipping & Packaging:
Professionally packed in a secure wooden crate within 3 working days.
Shipped via UPS/DHL with full insurance coverage for peace of mind.
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.
Rare Pair of Reclining Pottery Camels
Tang Dynasty (618–907)
Height: 10 cm; Width: 15 cm each
This delightful pair of miniature pottery camels, each modeled in a reclining posture, represents an extremely rare form within Tang dynasty tomb sculpture. At just 10 cm in height and 15 cm in width, they stand out as exceptionally small-scale renderings of one of the most iconic Tang subjects. While monumental camels are well known and frequently encountered, figures of this intimate, portable size are almost unknown on the art market, making this pair particularly distinctive.
The camels are naturalistically sculpted, each with slightly different head positions, emphasizing individuality and movement despite their small proportions. The humps are clearly defined, the muzzles sensitively modeled, and traces of pigment still remain across the surface. Their kneeling posture recalls moments of rest during the arduous Silk Road caravans, evoking their essential role in carrying luxury goods and cultural exchanges that defined Tang prosperity and cosmopolitanism.
Condition
Both camels are in very good condition for works over 1,200 years old. As expected with excavated Tang pottery, minor surface wear and traces of consolidation are present, with small encrustations consistent with long burial. No major breaks or losses are visible; their compact size has helped preserve their forms with minimal damage. Repairs, where present, are discreet and entirely standard for Tang figures. Overall, their state of preservation is excellent for their age and type.
Rarity and Importance
While Tang tombs often included large-scale camels as emblems of trade, wealth, and connection to the Silk Road, this unusually small and finely executed pair likely formed part of a specially commissioned set. Their rarity lies not only in their intimate scale but also in their survival as a true pair — with complementary poses, subtle differences in modeling, and uniform surface patination, confirming their creation as a matched ensemble.
Such miniatures are virtually absent from museum collections and seldom appear on the market, making this pair an especially desirable addition for collectors of early Chinese art. They combine all the symbolism of Tang camel figures with the rarity and unique charm of miniature tomb sculpture.
Shipping & Packaging:
Professionally packed in a secure wooden crate within 3 working days.
Shipped via UPS/DHL with full insurance coverage for peace of mind.
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
8 c. A.D.
Name of object
Rare Pair of Reclining Pottery Camels
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
10 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2005
Width
15 cm
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
Sold by
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.
