Ancient Chinese

Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Oriental Han period (25–220 CE). Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and surface concretion. Extraordinary terracotta figure representing a musician, jongleur or storyteller, belonging to the renowned funerary sculpture tradition of Sichuan province, China, during the Han Dynasty. The figure is depicted seated, torso bare, prominent belly, expressive smiling face, and one arm raised in a theatrical gesture. Its composition conveys extraordinary dynamism and a sense of humor, characteristic of these representations of popular artists in ancient China. This type of figures, known as shuochang yong (俑说唱), depict the itinerant narrators and artists who entertained the public with tales, music, gestures, and comic performances. They constitute one of the most original expressions of Han funerary art, notable for naturalism, spontaneity, and the capacity to render scenes of daily life, far from the rigid ceremonial of other contemporary sculptures. Condition: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, inlays, and wear consistent with its current state. Maintains a particularly expressive sculptural presence. Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storyteller figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funerary sculpture of the Han period. Related pieces can be found in major international museum collections. A piece of notable character, expressiveness, and decorative appeal, representative of one of the most singular sculptural traditions of ancient China.

Estimate:£837.59

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