Ancient Chinese

China – Tang Dynasty funerary figure of a court assistant (mingqi) Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, depicting a standing court assistant, dressed in a long ceremonial cross-collar robe. The figure adopts the solemn frontal posture characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with arms clasped in front of the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. Of stylized proportions and vertically pronounced, the body extends into a long robe that slightly widens toward the base. The face shows 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 at the neck of the garment and a sequence of vertical lines on the sleeves or hands gathered in front of the body. The surface also retains abundant traces of a clear preparation or engobe, along with earthy deposits and a general patina coherent with an archaeological piece. The lower part remains hollow and open, revealing the fabrication method of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chipping typical of its age, as well as a lateral crack; nevertheless, it fully preserves the characteristic silhouette and a highly attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were deposited in the tombs of Chinese elite members to represent the servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the other life. Material: molded terracotta with traces of engobe and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 22 x 5 x 5 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century B.C. Condition: good considering its age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, small faults 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 a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

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