Han Dynasty Pottery Tomb Figure of a Laborer (TL'd)

East Asia, China, Wu region, late Han Dynasty to early Southern and Northern Dynasties, ca. 2nd to 5th century CE. A tall mold-made pottery figure depicting a laborer or farmer, one of the largest funerary attendant figures of this type recorded in the collection. One hand holds a slender tool resembling a Chinese bronze dagger-sword with a ringed pommel, with a second example suspended from his belt; the other hand is outstretched and may originally have held a spade or shovel, based on comparable examples in museum collections. TL tested, confirming a firing date consistent with the period. The Han Dynasty was a period of wealth and political stability in China, and imperial burial sites reflected this prosperity, containing hundreds to thousands of miniature terracotta figures depicting daily life at the emperor's court, including armored warriors, servants, eunuchs, animals, and architectural models such as granaries. Production of these pottery figures supported a substantial industry, and the remains of associated workshops have been identified near several burial mounds. This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated by Daybreak Archaeometric Laboratory Service. A full report will accompany the item upon purchase. Item # 177328

Estimate:$2,200

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