Ancient Chinese

China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), c. 700–750 CE. Court Lady / terracotta funerary attendant, polychrome mingqi. Elegant Chinese funerary figure made of molded terracotta, representing a standing court lady or attendant. The figure adopts a frontal, serene pose, with arms folded and hands hidden beneath the voluminous sleeves at waist level. She wears a long robe that descends to form a broad base, while the neckline is defined by a fine reddish band in the shape of a V. The face, with soft features and restrained expression, is framed by a dark coiffure, still clearly differentiated by traces of black pigment. The surface retains abundant vestiges of white slip, as well as remnants of red, black and gray pigments, especially visible on the clothing and hair. The figure belongs to the mingqi tradition, funerary objects placed in the tombs of Chinese elites to symbolically reproduce, in the hereafter, their domestic surroundings, retinue and servants. Tang female figures also constitute an important testimony to the fashion and the sophisticated courtly culture of the period. The Metropolitan and Cleveland houses preserve very close examples of Tang ladies and funerary attendants with white slip and residual polychromy. Material: terracotta with slip and traces of polychromy. Origin: China. Period: Tang Dynasty, probably c. 700–750 CE. Dimensions: 25.5 × 12.5 × 5 cm. Condition: archaeological conservation, with general wear to the slip and polychromy, terrestrial deposits, abrasions, small surface losses and fractures typical of antiquity. The lower opening allows viewing the hollow construction of the figure. It preserves a considerable amount of original pigment. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL testing, C14 testing, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the piece’s integrity.

Estimate:$728.36

View all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art