Ancient Chinese

China – Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), probably late 7th century to first half of the 8th century. Terracotta guardian funerary zoomorphic zhenmushou with remnants of polychromy. Interesting Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a tomb protective spirit or zhenmushou, one of the supernatural creatures used during the Tang dynasty to protect the deceased and the funerary space from malign forces. The figure presents a powerful frontal configuration, with a compact and voluminous body, folded extremities and an expressive head of fantastical character, combining animal and supernatural features. Notable are the large lateral protrusions framing the head and the pronounced shaping of the snout and face, deliberately conceived with an intimidating appearance. It preserves significant traces of reddish and orange pigment, particularly visible on the head, snout and different areas of the body, along with clearer traces of surface preparation and decoration. The surface shows the erosion and deposits typical of an archaeological terracotta piece. The piece is hollow and made by molding, a technique characteristic of numerous Tang funerary sculptures. The reverse, relatively flat and less worked, and the cavity visible from the base likewise correspond to the usual manufacturing method of this type of mingqi, objects created specifically to accompany the deceased in the tomb. Zhenmushou were usually placed inside burials as apotropaic guardians, often forming pairs. Their iconography reaches special development during the 7th and 8th centuries, a time of great artistic prosperity under the Tang. Comparable examples are preserved in important international collections, including the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Material: molded terracotta with pigment remnants. Measurements: 23 × 10 × 8 cm. Proposed era: Tang dynasty, ca. 680–750 AD. Condition: generalized wear and pigment loss compatible with age; surface deposits; losses and fractures visible especially in the upper head crest area. See 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.

Estimate:£837.59

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