Ancient Chinese

China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. Terracotta funerary figure, polychrome mingqi, female. Elegant standing female figure made in molded terracotta and originally polychromed, probably representing a court lady or retainer, conceived as funerary adornment to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. The figure appears upright, with deliberately stylized proportions, dressed in a long robe that descends to form a wide base. The vertical folds of the dress provide rhythm and verticality to the composition, while the arms remain folded against the body in a restrained, ceremonial stance. Notably the distinctive high hairstyle, formed by two bulky side buns, an element associated with the sophisticated female fashions at the Tang court during this period. The face, oval and with a serene expression, preserves interesting traces of the original pictorial decoration, visible mainly in the eyebrows and eyes outlined in black, as well as traces of red and pink pigment on the features. The surface retains abundant earthy deposits and concretions, in addition to scattered remnants of polychromy on the dress, giving the piece a powerful archaeological presence. The construction is hollow, clearly visible from the lower opening, a customary procedure in the production of Tang funerary figures. This type of sculpture, known as mingqi, was deposited in the tombs of wealthy members to symbolically recreate their entourage, servants and everyday surroundings in the afterlife. Material: terracotta with remnants of polychromy. Cultural origin: China. Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, probably 7th–8th centuries. Dimensions: 25.5 × 10 × 5 cm. Conservation status: archaeological condition, with generalized surface wear and polychromy, earth deposits, cracks and fissures visible, especially in the neck area, shoulders and base. Preserves important traces of ancient pigment. See detailed 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.

Estimación:€1,700

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