Ancient Chinese

Funerary model of a quanyi chair in glazed terracotta China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) An interesting miniature model of a Chinese horseshoe-backed chair, made in terracotta and preserving significant glaze remnants in green and turquoise tones. The structure reproduces on a small scale one of the most recognizable designs of Chinese furniture: the enveloping-backed chair or quanyi, characterized by its wide curved back that continues to form the arms, raised on a straight-legged framework with crossbars. During the Ming Dynasty, this type of ceramic reproduction was part of the mingqi, funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased and symbolically reproduce in the tomb elements of their daily life, rank, and domestic surroundings. The piece is especially attractive due to the partial preservation of its green/turquoise glaze, mainly visible on the front, legs, crossbars, and upper elements, contrasting with the exposed terracotta areas and the archaeological surface. It presents a pronounced patina of age, deposits, abrasions and glaze losses. Breaks, ancient joins, consolidations and restorations are also visible, especially in the backrest and armrests, which should be regarded as part of the current conservation state of the work. Dimensions 22.5 × 15 × 13.5 cm approx. Material Terracotta partially glazed. Dating China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Condition report General wear, glaze losses, surface deposits and concretions. Breaks and ancient restorations visible, mainly on the backrest and arms. See photographs for a full appreciation of the condition. Interest An evocative example of Chinese funerary furniture in miniature, particularly attractive for reproducing a design closely associated with classical Ming 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:£1,675.18

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