Fat Lady Sancai - China (No reserve price)

The famous "Fat Lady" (fat lady) in Chinese art is not usually made of porcelain, but of painted or glazed terracotta. These statuettes depict opulent court ladies and represent a unique beauty canon in Chinese history, closely tied to a period of great cultural flourishing, wealth, and to a legendary historical figure, namely: • During the early phase of the Tang Dynasty, the ideal feminine aesthetic favored slender and willowy figures. By the mid-8th century (during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong), taste changed drastically in favor of full, rounded, and voluptuous forms, considered symbols of health, comfort, beauty, and inner serenity. • Antiquarian and historical tradition associates these sculptures with Yang Guifei (719–756 AD), the famed and beautiful imperial consort (or concubine) of Emperor Xuanzong. Yang Guifei was renowned for her soft, voluptuous figure and exerted such a cultural influence that “fullness” became the epitome of court fashion and charm. These artistic representations also find a place in funerary art (Mingqi), i.e., these statues were created as mingqi, funerary objects placed in the tombs of the aristocracy and high-ranking officials. They were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the earthly status, luxury, and wealth of the dynasty. They are molded in terracotta, often finished with polychrome pigments (red, black, white) or covered with ceramic glaze techniques (sancai, three colors: amber, green, and cream/white). The figures display elaborate hairstyles (often double-ring or high chignon), wide robes with voluminous and flowing sleeves, and a serene, refined facial expression. In their arms they hold a small companion animal (probably a Pekingese). Pekingese dogs were considered sacred and exclusive to the imperial court, a true symbol of the highest social status, wealth, and prosperous life. Dimensions: 42.5 cm high x 13.5 x 11.5 cm; weight 2103 g Good condition, dates from the second half of the 20th century (1950s–1970s) Insured shipping with professional packaging.

Estimate:£0.84

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