Sui Dynasty (581–618) Terracotta Court Lady Minqi with TL...

Rare Chinese Mingqi in terracotta representing a standing court lady, wearing a long robe with flowing sleeves, hands joined in front of the body. The face, particularly expressive, features fine and serene traits. The elaborate coiffure, gathered into a bun, as well as the slender silhouette and the sober treatment of the garment are characteristic of funerary sculpture from the Sui period, a short transitional dynasty between the Northern Wei and the Tang. The surface retains a beautiful old patina, with traces of red and dark pigments still visible, notably on the long sleeves and the hairstyle. The irregularities, deposits, small wear, and firing marks fully contribute to the archaeological character of the piece. This figurine is a mingqi (冥器), a funerary object intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Under the Sui and then the Tang, these figures were placed in tombs to symbolically recreate the environment and the court of the deceased. Authenticity / thermoluminescence The figurine belongs to the group of three figures reproduced and analyzed in the thermoluminescence report Laboratory Kotalla no. 180921, dated September 29, 2021. The report states: « Fired in antiquity » Result: 1420 years ± 16 % Attribution: Sui – China The laboratory notes that samplings were taken at the bottom of the robes of the three figures represented on the certificate. A full copy of the thermoluminescence report Laboratory Kotalla no. 180921 will be provided with the piece. Dimensions and weight Height: 18.7 cm Width: 4.1 cm Depth: 4 cm Weight: 165 g Material: terracotta Origin: China Dating: Sui dynasty, 581–618 Condition Very good archaeological condition given the age. Presence of wear, deposits, pigment losses, small irregularities and ancient marks visible in the photographs. No element has been masked or restored for display. A particularly elegant and expressive piece, interesting both for a collection of ancient Chinese art and for an enthusiast of funerary statuary from the Sui and Tang dynasties. The figurine will be shipped in a rigid protective box with custom-cut foam, as shown in the photographs, to ensure optimal protection during transport. A copy of the TL Kotalla report will accompany the shipment as well.

Estimate:£1,689.63

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