Ancient Chinese

China – Funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi) – Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, ca. 2nd–1st century BCE. Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, depicting a standing court attendant, dressed in a long ceremonial crossed-neck robe. The figure adopts the solemn, frontal posture characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with the arms held before the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. With stylized, markedly vertical proportions, the figure’s body extends into a long robe that elegantly widens toward the base. The face features deliberately sober modeling, with softly defined features and hair indicated by a dark-pigmented area. Particularly attractive is the preservation of remnants of the original polychromy, with red pigment observed at the collar of the garment and a succession of vertical lines over the sleeves or hands folded in front of the body. The surface also preserves abundant traces of a light preparatory coating or slip, along with earthy deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological piece. The lower part remains hollow and open, showing the manufacturing process of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chips typical of its age, as well as a lateral crack; nevertheless, it preserves the full characteristic silhouette and a highly attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were placed in the tombs of Chinese elite members to represent the servants and members of the court who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Material: molded terracotta with traces of slip and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 4 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE. Condition: good considering age; wear, deposits, losses of polychromy, small flaws and a lateral crack visible in the photographs. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, C14 dating, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Estimate:£1,530.38

View all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art