Ancient Chinese

China – Mingqi funerary figure of a court attendant (mingqi) – Western Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, c. 2nd century–1st century BCE. Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, representing a standing court attendant, dressed in a long ceremonial cross-collar tunic. The figure adopts the solemn frontal stance characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with arms gathered before the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. With stylized, notably vertical proportions, the body extends into a long tunic that sensibly widens toward the base. The face shows deliberately sober modeling, with softly defined features and hair indicated by a dark-pigmented area. Especially attractive is the preservation of remnants of the original polychromy, with red pigment observed on the neck of the garment and on a succession of vertical lines over the sleeves or hands drawn before the body. The surface also preserves abundant traces of a pale preparatory coating or engobe, along with earthen deposits and a general patina coherent with an archaeological piece. The lower part remains hollow and open, revealing the fabrication procedure of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chips typical of its age, as well as a visible lateral crack; nevertheless, it preserves completely the distinctive silhouette and a very attractive sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were placed in the tombs of Chinese elite members to represent the servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Material: molded terracotta with traces of engobe and red and black polychromy. Dimensions: 22 x 5 x 5 cm. Proposed period: Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), probably Western Han, circa 2nd–1st century BCE. Condition: good considering its 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.

Stima:€1,300

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