Ancient Chinese

China – Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi) – Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE. Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, representing 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 brought together at the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. With stylized proportions and markedly vertical lines, the body extends into a long robe that gracefully widens toward the base. The face features a 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 observed on the neckline of the garment and a sequence of vertical lines on the sleeves or hands folded in front of the body. The surface also preserves abundant traces of a light preparatory layer or engobe, along with earthy deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological piece. 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 lateral visible crack; nevertheless, it preserves wholly the characteristic silhouette and a very attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were placed in the tombs of members of the Chinese elite to represent the servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Material: molded terracotta with traces of engobe and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 24X6X6 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE. Condition: good considering its age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, small flaws 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 testing, C14 testing, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Estimation:€1,600

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