Ancient Chinese

Elegant Chinese funerary figurine of the mingqi type, in polychrome terracotta, depicting a musician kneeling and holding a drum horizontally in front of her. The composition stands out for its balance and the delicacy of the gestures: both hands rest at the ends of the instrument, whose body has a constricted shape at the center. The musician wears a long robe with a crossed collar, cinched at the waist by a belt, while a high coiffure extends the silhouette. The face preserves expressive features and traces of red coloring at the lips. The sleeves, the fingers and the borders of the garment remain clearly legible. The surface shows significant traces of polychromy, notably in pinkish red, cream and white tones, contrasting with the darker hue of the drum. Earthy deposits, concretions and surface irregularities are visible across the piece. China, attributed to the Tang dynasty, 618–907. The musician and her context This figurine evokes musical ensembles associated with court entertainment and aristocratic receptions in ancient China. Her kneeling posture and her instrument contribute to a careful representation of the musical gesture. In the funerary context, mingqi were intended to accompany the deceased and symbolically recreate aspects of their living environment. A musician could thus evoke the pleasures of music and the refinement of the deceased’s entourage. Thermoluminescence The figurine is listed in the thermoluminescence report prepared by the Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, Germany, for a group of three musicians. Report No. 02130108 Dated January 24, 2008 The present drum-bearing figurine is identifiable as the right-hand piece in the report’s photograph. The laboratory concludes: “Fired in antiquity” — terracotta fired in Antiquity. The last firing of the terracotta is estimated at: 1,200 years ± 20% at the time of testing. This scientific dating is compatible with an attribution to the Tang period. A copy of the report accompanies the object. Condition Significant traces of polychromy preserved on the robe, the face and the sleeves. Presence of earthy deposits and concretions, surface wear, gaps in polychromy and small material irregularities. A small opening is visible at the back of the head. Photographs form an integral part of the description and allow assessing the surface, details and overall condition of the figurine. An expressive piece, combining the interest of the musical subject, polychromy still well preserved and a thermoluminescence report including a photograph that allows recognizing the object. Presentation and shipment The figurine will be delivered in its rigid protective case, with cut foam to hold it in place, as shown in the photographs. The shipment will be carefully packed and insured.

Estimate:£1,436.7

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