Ancient Chinese

Description for auction China – Funerary figure of court attendant (mingqi) – Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, circa 2nd century BCE–1st century BCE. Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, depicting a standing court attendant, dressed in a long ceremonial cross-collar robe. The figure adopts the solemn frontal posture characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with arms gathered in front of the abdomen and hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. Stylized and conspicuously vertical in proportion, the body extends into a long robe that gracefully widens toward the base. The face presents a deliberately sober modeling, with softly defined features and hair indicated by a dark pigment area. Especially attractive is the preservation of remnants of the original polychromy, with red pigment observed on the neckline of the garment and on a sequence of vertical lines over the sleeves or hands folded in front of the body. The surface also retains abundant traces of a pale slip or engobe preparation, along with earthy deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological artifact. The lower part remains hollow and open, showing the manufacturing process of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chips typical of its age, as well as a visible lateral crack; nevertheless, it retains the distinctive silhouette and a very attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were deposited in the tombs of Chinese elites to represent the servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Material: molded terracotta with remnants of engobe and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 25.5 × 12 × 5 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE. Condition: good for its age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, minor losses and a lateral crack visible in the photographs. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL, C14, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Estimate:$1,904.96

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