Ancient Chinese

China – Funeral figure of a court attendant (mingqi) – Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BC. An interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, depicting a standing court attendant wearing a long ceremonial crossed-neck tunic. The figure adopts the solemn, frontal posture characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with the arms brought together in front of the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. Stylized and markedly vertical in proportion, the body is prolonged by a long tunic that widens elegantly toward the base. The face features deliberately sober modeling, with softly defined features and hair indicated by a dark-pigmented area. Especially attractive is the preservation of remnants of the original polychromy, with red pigment visible on the neck of the garment and a series of vertical lines on the sleeves or on the hands held in front of the body. The surface also preserves abundant traces of a light engobe preparation, along with earthy deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological artifact. The lower part remains hollow and open, revealing the manufacturing process of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chipping typical of its age, as well as a lateral visible crack; nevertheless, it wholly preserves the characteristic silhouette and a very attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were deposited in the tombs of Chinese elite members to represent the servants and members of the court who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Material: molded terracotta with traces of engobe and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 22 x 5 x 5 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BC. Condition: good considering its age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, minor missing parts and a lateral crack visible in photographs. I would necessarily add on Catawiki, if there is no scientific analysis: “Dating performed by stylistic criteria. No thermoluminescence test has been conducted.” This better protects the description. 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.

Estimate:$1,457.66

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