Ancient Chinese

Female funerary figure or attendant — China, Oriental Han / Han–Wei period Terracotta with traces of slip and pigment Circa 2nd–3rd centuries AD Approx. 26 × 5 × 4 cm Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, probably representing a lady or attendant of the funerary entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long robe that falls almost to the base. The arms appear folded 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 constitutes one of its most striking elements. The face shows a restrained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, a delicately defined nose, and remaining pigment 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 circumstance clearly visible from the lower opening. The surface retains earthy deposits, traces of light slip, and vestiges of original decoration. It shows wear, erosions, 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 funeral 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 TL tests, C14 tests, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Estimate:£1,672.86

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