Ancient Chinese

China – Funerary figurine of a court assistant (mingqi) – Han Dynasty, probably Western Han, c. 2nd–1st century BCE. Interesting Chinese funerary figure made in molded terracotta, representing a standing court assistant, dressed in a long ceremonial cross-collar robe. The figure adopts the solemn, frontal stance characteristic of Han funerary sculpture, with arms brought together in front of the abdomen and the hands apparently hidden beneath the wide sleeves. With stylized, markedly vertical proportions, the body extends into a long robe that elegantly widens toward the base. The face shows 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 on the collar of the garment and on a series of vertical lines on the sleeves or hands gathered in front of the body. The surface also preserves abundant traces of a clear preparation or engobe, along with earthy deposits and a general patina consistent with an archaeological piece. The lower part remains hollow and open, revealing the manufacturing process of the figure. It shows surface wear, small losses and chipping typical of its age, as well as a visible lateral crack; nevertheless, it retains the characteristic silhouette in full and a very appealing sculptural presence. These figures, known as mingqi (明器), were deposited in the tombs of Chinese elite members to represent the servants and court members who would accompany the deceased in the other life. 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, loss of polychromy, small losses 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 a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

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