Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta 彩绘陶俑的宫廷女士 / 殡葬随从，明器 - 24 cm

Female funerary figure / court attendant (mingqi)
China, attributable to the Sui dynasty–early Tang period, ca. late 6th–7th century A.D.
Terracotta molded with remnants of polychromy.
24 × 5.5 × 6 cm approx.

Elegant Chinese terracotta funerary figure representing a noblewoman or female court attendant, standing on a small rectangular base. The figure presents a frontal, hieratic composition, with an exceptionally stylized body, bent arms and hands gathered in front of the torso, probably originally hidden within the sleeves.

What stands out particularly is the elevated coiffure formed by a double bun, clearly differentiated and still preserving traces of dark pigmentation. This type of headdress is documented in both Northern Dynasties female figures and during the Sui period and early Tang; Christie’s precisely describes Northern Wei figures with hair tied in a double knot, as well as early Tang attendants with elaborated double-knots.

The face features delicately modeled features, with an elongated nose, small mouth and eyes and eyebrows still defined by dark pigment. The preservation of these pictorial details is particularly attractive. The body is draped in a long almost-columnar garment, slightly cinched at the waist, with the small feet visible on the base.

The surface retains traces of reddish, orange, black pigment and possible traces of a light engobe, especially interesting on the face and clothing. These polychrome decorations are characteristic of mingqi, sculptures made to form part of the funerary equipment and to accompany the deceased symbolically in the hereafter.

The combination of a highly stylized anatomy, relatively naturalistic face and elaborate hairstyle places the piece stylistically in the Sui–early Tang transitional period, prior to the famous Tang ladies of the 8th century with much more voluminous forms. Mature Tang figures precisely show a shift toward fuller bodies and broader garments.

Condition: surface wear and erosion compatible with its typology; losses of polychromy, terrigenous deposits, small cracks, abrasions and flaking, especially on the base. Nevertheless, it retains a substantial part of facial definition and traces of original decoration. Please study the photographs carefully.

Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.