Ancient Chinese, Han Dynasty Pottery Bird on Bronze Legs – Graceful Mingqi Figure Circa 2nd-1st century BC This charming pottery and bronze bird is modelled with a rounded body, squared tail, and short pointed beak. The terracotta body is covered with a dark slip and shows incised feathers on the wings and banded lines on the tail, with soft traces of red paint at the head. The separately cast bronze legs are naturalistic, with strong three-toed feet. Mingqi, "spirit goods", are tomb furnishings made for the afterlife. During the Han dynasty, they were placed in burials by families of officials and prosperous households to supply the deceased with attendants, animals, and goods. Dimensions: 12,5cm x 15cm x 5cm Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE of THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.