Ancient Chinese

Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 CE). Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and surface concretions. Outstanding terracotta figure representing a musician, jongleur or storyteller, belonging to the renowned funerary sculptural tradition of Sichuan province during the Han Dynasty. The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, prominent belly, expressive smiling face, and one arm raised in a theatrical gesture. Its composition conveys extraordinary dynamism and a sense of humor, distinctive features of these representations of popular artists in ancient China. This type of figures, known as shuochang yong (俑说唱), depict traveling narrators and performers who entertained the public through stories, music, gesturing, and comic performances. They constitute one of the most original manifestations of Han funerary art, notable for naturalism, spontaneity, and the ability to depict scenes of everyday life, away from the rigid ceremonial style of other contemporary sculptures. Condition: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, encrustations, and wear consistent with its present state. Retains an especially expressive sculptural presence. Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storyteller figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funerary sculpture from the Han era. Related exemplars are represented in important international museum collections. A piece of notable character, expressiveness, and decorative appeal, representative of one of the most singular sculptural traditions of ancient China.

Estimate:$1,329.78

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