Ancient Chinese

Funerary model of a quanyi armchair in glazed terracotta China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) Interesting miniature model of a Chinese horseshoe-back chair, made in terracotta and preserving notable traces of glaze in green and turquoise tones. The structure reproduces on a small scale one of the most recognizable designs of Chinese furniture: the enveloping back chair or quanyi, characterized by its broad curved back that continues to form the arms, raised on a base of straight legs and stretchers. During the Ming Dynasty, this type of ceramic reproduction formed part of mingqi, funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased and symbolically reproduce in the tomb elements of their daily life, rank, and domestic environment. The piece is especially attractive for the partial preservation of its green/turquoise glaze, visible mainly on the front, legs, stretchers, and upper elements, contrasting with areas of exposed terracotta and the archaeological surface. It presents a marked patina of antiquity, deposits, abrasions, and glaze losses. Breakages, ancient joints, consolidations, and restorations are also observed, especially in the backrest and arm supports, which should be considered part of the current state of conservation of the work. Dimensions 22.5 × 15 × 13.5 cm approx. Material Terracotta partially glazed. Dating China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Condition General wear, glaze losses, surface deposits and concretions. Breakages and ancient restorations visible, mainly on the backrest and arms. See photographs for a full assessment of the condition. Interest An evocative example of Chinese funerary furniture in miniature, particularly attractive for reproducing a design closely associated with Ming classical furniture and for preserving part of its original glazed decoration. 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:£1,692.32

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