Ancient Chinese

Female funerary figurine or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period Terracotta with traces of slip and pigmentation Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD 26 × 5 × 4 cm approx. Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, likely representing a lady or attendant of the funeral entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long tunic that almost reaches the base. The arms are arranged in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb. The head is one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, delicately defined nose, and traces of pigmentation on the features, while the hair rises to form a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence. It is made of hollow terracotta, a condition clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earth deposits, traces of light engobe, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosion, cracks, and superficial losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photographs. Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funerary practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals, and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife. 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.

Estimation:€2,000

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