Ancient Chinese

Musician or storyteller from Sichuan – Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) China, Sichuan Province. Han Dynasty, traditionally attributed to the Eastern Han period (25–220 CE). Material: Terracotta with traces of earthy deposits and surface concretion. Dimensions: 31 × 23 × 18 cm, approximately. Extraordinary terracotta figure representing a musician, jongleur or storyteller, belonging to the famous funerary sculpture tradition of Sichuan province in China during the Han Dynasty. The figure appears seated, with a bare torso, prominent belly, expressive smiling face and one arm raised in a theatrical gesture. Its composition conveys extraordinary dynamism and a sense of humor, distinctive features 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 performers who entertained the public with stories, music, gestures and comic performances. They constitute one of the most original manifestations of Han funeral art, notable for their naturalism, spontaneity and ability to depict scenes of daily life, away from the rigid ceremonial of other contemporary sculptures. Condition: Surface with abundant earthy deposits, incrustations and wear appropriate to its current state. Preserves an especially expressive sculptural presence. Artistic and collecting interest: Sichuan storytellers figures are among the most recognizable typologies of Chinese funerary sculpture of the Han era. Related pieces are represented in important 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:£1,005.1

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