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Antiquities For Sale
Chinese statuette of a Sogdian rider
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Statuette of a Sogdian rider
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Tang Dynasty
PERIOD: 618 – 907 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 560 mm x 510 mm x 175 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes The...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Rare Yue Celadon Chicken-Head Ewer, Jin-Southern Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Chicken-head ewers are among the most distinct and emblematic pottery pieces from the dynamic yet innovative era spanning from the Han (206 BC - AD 220) to the Tang (618~907) dynasti...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antique Antiquities
Materials
Celadon, Stoneware
Vintage Asian Indian Silver Bracelet Oriental Jewelry Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Vintage Asian Indian Silver Bracelet
Beautiful cuff bracelet with pierced and pearl shaped edge design
High grade silver
Width 4 cm weight ...
Category
1980s Indian Vintage Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Chinese statuette of a horse with rider
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Statuette of a horse with rider
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Tang Dynasty
PERIOD: 618 – 907 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 520 mm x 420 mm x 180 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Guardian Official Pottery Figure, Northern Wei-Tang Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This figure appears to be a terracotta statuette, possibly representing a court official or a deity given the distinct headgear which could signify a rank or divine attribute. The style of the figurine, with its facial features and remnants of paint, suggests it could be a part of funerary art, which was common in Chinese culture during these periods.
Date : Northern Wei...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver bowl circa 1890, with later blue glass liner. The bowl is pierced and has wonderfully detailed chrysanthemum decoration and sits on a plain collet foot. The r...
Category
1880s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Set of 4 Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Set of 4 Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks with Glasgow import marks for the firm of George Edward & Sons, 1899. The Scottish firm was one of the few UK companies that stocked Chi...
Category
1890s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Fine rare Antique Indian Hindu Mughal style Jade bracelet Asian Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Fine rare Antique Indian Hindu Mughal style Jade bracelet
Period early 20th century
Fine quality celadon type jade decorated with silver and semi precious stones
Condition: Fine...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Antiquities
Materials
Jade, Silver
Celestial being(Apsara) Stone Statue, Northern Wei-Tang Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This statue appears to be a stone sculpture of an apsara, a celestial nymph from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Despite its fragmentary state, the sculpture conveys grace and movement. The apsara is captured in a dynamic pose, perhaps once part of a larger tableau, playing a flute-like instrument. The facial features are serene yet expressive, with faint traces of pigmentation hinting at the sculpture's original polychromy. The black stand was made in Hong Kong at the time of the acquisition.
Date : Northern Wei...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone, Limestone
Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Card Case embossed and chased with figural scenes on a matte background, including playing Go and horse-riding....
Category
1830s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Antiquities
Materials
Silver
19th Century, Antique Laos Bronze Gong with Stand
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Laos bronze gong, a kind of Laos musical instrument which produces a loud and sonorous sound. Gong stick is included.
Age: Laos, 19th Century
Size of gong only: Diameter 40 ...
Category
19th Century Laotian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Greek kylix
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Kylix
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek, Apulian
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 56 mm x 165 mm x 115 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection,...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is made by hand, it has a dist...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Large 19th C. Qing period Chinese Woven Bamboo & Cane Lidded Basket
Located in Las Vegas, NV
19th century Qing period Chinese storage basket intricately hand woven with bamboo and cane. Iron hinges and pull.
Measures 20" X 20" X 16" tall .
Warm aged patina. Wonderful condition.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Rare 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Step into the enigmatic world of Majapahit culture with this exquisite 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure, a mesmerizing testament to Java's rich heritage. Believed to have once borne offerings of oil or fruit above her head as symbols of blessing and protection, this sculpture exudes an aura of ancient reverence and spirituality.
Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this remarkable piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the esteemed private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on pages 170/171 as figure number 36, this sculpture has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology.
Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field.
Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Folk Art Antique Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Early 16th Century, Early Shan, Antique Large Burmese Wooden Seated Buddha
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique large Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base.
Age: Burma, Early Shan Period, Early 16th Century
Size: Height 123.8 C.M...
Category
16th Century Burmese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
18th Century, Shan, Antique Burmese Wooden Seated Buddha
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base.
Age: Burma, Shan Period, 18th Century
Size: Height 52 C.M. / Width 23.8 C.M. /...
Category
18th Century Burmese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Egyptian scarab with pseudo-hieroglyphic, Anra-type
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Scarab with pseudo-hieroglyphic, Anra-type
MATERIAL: Steatite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Second Intermediate Period, 1700 – 1550 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 10 mm x 15 mm
CONDITION: Good co...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Japanese Vintage Kimono Silk Belt Tsuru Birds Fukuro-obi 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a Fukuro Obi made in Japan around 1960s.
Obi is a belt of varying size and shape worn with both traditional Japanese clothing like Kimono.Obi are categorised by their desig...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Antiquities
Materials
Silk
Japanese Vintage Silk Kimono Belt 1970s Flowers
Located in Paris, FR
This is Obi made in Japan around 1970s.
It is made with Silk and it is in good condition.
Obi is a belt of varying size and shape worn with both traditional Japanese clothing like...
Category
1970s Japanese Showa Vintage Antiquities
Materials
Silk
19th Century, Antique Thai Wooden Seated Buddha
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Thai wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base.
Age: Thailand, 19th Century
Size: Height 24.9 C.M. / Width 19.5 C.M.
Condition: N...
Category
19th Century Thai Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
A boxwood netsuke depicting a snake
Located in Milano, IT
Boxwood netsuke depicting a snake coiled around itself.
Signature engraved under the base.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji late 19th century.
Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 2 cm.
State of co...
Category
19th Century Japonisme Antique Antiquities
Materials
Boxwood
18th Century, Shan, Antique Tai Lue Burmese Wooden Seated Buddha
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Tai Lue Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base.
Tai Lue is a tribal people living in Burma, it is difficult to find Buddha fro...
Category
18th Century Burmese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
18th Century, Shan, Antique Burmese Wooden Seated Buddha
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base.
Age: Burma, Shan Period, 18th Century
Size: Height 44 C.M. / Width 17 C.M. / D...
Category
18th Century Burmese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board 1910s-1930s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese work board.
This was used to roll mochi into balls.
That is why traces of wheat remain.
In the past, when food conditions were harsh, rice cakes and other f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
A Molded Qingbai 'Flowers' Dish, Southern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The plate depicted here exhibits the intricate floral patterns and lotus motifs that are typical of Southern Song designs. The central floral motif captures the essence of Oriental b...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Antique Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Egyptian scarab with spiral design
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Scarab with spiral design
MATERIAL: Steatite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Second Intermediate Period, 1700 – 1550 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 12 mm x 9 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board Grain of wood 1860s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden board.
It is a single board with beautiful wood grain.
I think it was probably the top of an exhibition stand.
It was already in this state when I fou...
Category
1860s Japanese Edo Antique Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Blue And White Teabowl And Saucer Set Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
Graceful and simple beauty in the tea set decorated with floral patterns
Period : Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Production Date : C 1725
Made in : Jingdezhen
Destination : Netherla...
Category
1720s Chinese Qing Antique Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Large 24" 19th Century Japanese Cloisonne Vase - Antique Oriental Decor
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Oriental Japanese Cloisonné Vase - Impressive Large Piece!
This stunning cloisonné vase from the 19th century boasts remarkable craftsmanship and intricate deta...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Rare Yue Celadon-Glazed Vessel, Jin dynasty (265-420)
Located in seoul, KR
A Yue celadon vessel from the Jin Dynasty period, notable for its characteristic greenish-glazed pottery which was prominent during this time. The vessel features a globular body wit...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Japanese Antique Horse Object 1920s-1940s / Figurine Mingei Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese horse figurine.
It was made in the early Showa period (1920s-1940s).
It is mainly made of paper. (Various materials are used).
It is a very elaborate creati...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Antiquities
Materials
Paper
Scarab with prenomen for Amenhotep II
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Scarab with prenomen for Amenhotep II
MATERIAL: Steatite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: New Kingdom, XVIIIth Dynasty, 1143 – 1417 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 15 mm x 11 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex American egyptologist collection, active in the early part of the 20th century, brought to the US with the family in 1954.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Amenhotep II, the seventh pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, ruled during the New Kingdom period around the 15th century BCE. Renowned for his military prowess, Amenhotep II expanded the Egyptian empire through numerous campaigns, solidifying control over territories in Nubia and the Levant. His expeditions into Syria and Canaan, notably the Battle of Megiddo, showcased his strategic acumen as he secured victories against local rebellions and coalitions, leaving behind inscriptions and reliefs that celebrated his triumphs.
Beyond his military endeavors, Amenhotep II also left a mark through his architectural projects, albeit less pronounced compared to other pharaohs. He oversaw the construction of temples and monuments across Egypt, contributing to the cultural landscape of the time. Additionally, Amenhotep II was known for his personal interests in sports and physical activities, with depictions showcasing him engaging in hunting, chariot racing, and archery, reflecting the pursuits of Egyptian nobility and emphasizing the ideal of the warrior-king.
While Amenhotep II's reign brought stability and prosperity to Egypt, his legacy is overshadowed by some of his predecessors and successors. Despite his military successes and contributions to Egyptian architecture, he is not as widely celebrated as figures like Thutmose III or Ramses II.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone
A Wucai 'Peony' Vase Transitional Period, 17th century, Early Qing Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The jar features a balanced and robust form, typical of the Transitional period, which was a time of significant change and innovation in Chinese porcelain art. The decoration is exu...
Category
17th Century Chinese Qing Antique Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
This is a set of 5 pieces.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Despite its size, it is made from a sing...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
14th-16th Century, A Pair of Antique Sukhothai Pottery Brown Glazed Jars
Located in Sampantawong, TH
A pair of antique Sukhothai pottery brown glazed jars with naturally running glaze on the body, natural shell and barnacle from shipwreck.
Age: Thailand, Sukhothai Period, 14th - 16...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Neolithic Yangshao Culture Pottery Amphora, 3rd-2nd Millenium BC
Located in seoul, KR
This pottery has a bulbous body with two small, protruding handles near its widest part. The pottery features horizontal bands of patterns, which include a sequence of geometric shap...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Large Pair of Fine Quality Japanese Meiji Mixed Metal Vases - Antique, c.1910
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Mixed Metal Vases - Exquisite Meiji Period Artist Pieces!
These stunning Japanese bronze mixed metal vases, dating back to the Meiji Period cir...
Category
1910s Japanese Meiji Vintage Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board Grain of wood 1940s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden board.
It is a single board with beautiful wood grain.
I think this was probably used for the top of the work table.
It was already in this state when...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Italian/French Enamel and Silver Snuff Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian/French Enamel and Silver Snuff Box.
Late 19th Century, the interior lid impressed 22, no other visible marks. The rectangular hinged box with an interior gilt wash, the lid ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Bert & May - Esquina Reclaimed Tiles 4.8m2 Lot (51sqft)
Located in Bradford, GB
All our reclaimed tiles are genuine antiques. We believe in investing in your interiors, and choosing reclaimed and repurposed tiles means breathing new life into tiles that have alr...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Antiquities
Materials
Cement
Egyptian scarab as a commemorative of Ramesses II or prenomen of Shoshenq III
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Scarab as a commemorative of Ramesses II or prenomen of Shoshenq III
MATERIAL: Black steatite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: New Kingdom to Third Intermediate Period, 1279 – 664 B.C...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Vase / pot à pinceau / bitong en bambou sculpté - Chine - Qing 950XIXth
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Hand carved bamboo vase/brush pot/bitong.
This hand-carved Chinese bamboo bitong or dried flower vase dates from the late Victorian period, circa 1880.
The bitong, or brush pot, is...
Category
19th Century Chinese Victorian Antique Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Green-Glazed Earthenware Dish Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Reign
Located in seoul, KR
It is the rare earthenware among those excavated from the Ca Mau Ship, and it is a green-glaze work that is especially unique. Although it is in very worn condition, it is a valuable...
Category
1720s Chinese Qing Antique Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware
Qingbai Bowl with carving of crane, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The crane, a traditional symbol of longevity and auspiciousness, is prominently placed at the center, creating a harmonious and aesthetically balanced effect. The border of the dish ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Chinese Export Antique Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
A Longquan Celadon-Glazed 'Dragon' Dish, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The dish is decorated to the centre with a moulded appliqué dragon chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by a carved stylised foliage band at the cavetto. The moulded fluted exterior ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Antique Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Blue and White Square Box, Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
This cute square box could have been used as an incense burner, and flowers could have been inserted one by one.
Period : Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Production Date : C 1725
Mad...
Category
1720s Chinese Qing Antique Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Guardian(Half human half beast) Pottery Figure, Northern Wei-Tang Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This guardian figure represents a fusion of human and beast, a common motif symbolizing protection in Chinese lore. Crafted from pottery, the figure is a testament to the era's sculp...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Two Blue and White Miniature Vases, C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
During Yongzheng era, such miniatures were appreciated for their craftsmanship and aesthetic value. They were also often used in scholars' studios as part of the 'wenfang', or study ...
Category
1720s Chinese Qing Antique Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is made by hand, it has a dist...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Romano-Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask depicting a female head
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Romano-Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask depicting a female head
MATERIAL: Linen and Gesso
CULTURE: Egyptian, Roman period
PERIOD: 1st Century B.C – 1st Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 20...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Classical Roman Antique Antiquities
Materials
Gesso, Linen
Calcite on Amethyst cluster From San Eugenio, Artigas Dept., Uruguay
Located in New York, NY
From San Eugenio, Artigas Dept., Uruguay
Sharp crystal cluster in a parallel formation of scalenohedral calcite crystals on matrix with lustrous translucent grape purple amethyst c...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Antique Antiquities
Materials
Amethyst, Crystal, Other
Believed to be dignity tomb figures from the Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of pottery dignitary tomb figures from the Ming Dynasty era.
Category
Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Heavenly Beings Carved Limestone Stele Fragment, Northern/Eastern Wei Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Flying two heavenly beings depicted in the stone. They are celestial beings called an Apsara. While having the same fragment and shape, another work I uploaded exhibits small dots on...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antique Antiquities
Materials
Limestone
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is made by hand, it has a dist...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is made by hand, it has a dist...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese statuette of a Fat Lady
Located in EL CAMPELLO, ES
ITEM: Statuette of a Fat Lady
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Tang Dynasty
PERIOD: 618 – 907 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 655 mm x 265 mm x 210 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by Laboratory Kotalla (Reference 05B101123). Includes Certificate of Authenticity from Dutch gallery
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, acquired from Dutch art gallery
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Due to the fragility and size of this piece, it can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road by private courier (door to door).
This beautifully-finished ceramic attendant was made during what many consider to be China’s Golden Age, the Tang Dynasty. It was at this point that China’s outstanding technological and aesthetic achievements opened to external influences, resulting in the introduction of numerous new forms of self-expression, coupled with internal innovation and considerable social freedom. The Tang dynasty also saw the birth of the printed novel, significant musical and theatrical heritage and many of China’s best- known painters and artists.
The Tang Dynasty was created on the 18th of June, 618 AD, when the Li family seized power from the last crumbling remnants of the preceding Sui Dynasty. This political and regal regime was long-lived, and lasted for almost 300 years. The imperial aspirations of the preceding periods and early Tang leaders led to unprecedented wealth, resulting in considerable socioeconomic stability, the development of trade networks and vast urbanisation for China’s exploding population (estimated at around 50 million people in the 8th century AD). The Tang rulers took cues from earlier periods, maintaining many of their administrative structures and systems intact. Even when dynastic and governmental institutions withdrew from management of the empire towards the end of the period – their authority undermined by localised rebellions and regional governors known as jiedushi –the systems were so well- established that they continued to operate regardless.
The artworks created during this era are among China’s greatest cultural achievements. It was the greatest age for Chinese poetry and painting, and sculpture also developed (although there was a notable decline in Buddhist sculptures following repression of the faith by pro-Taoism administrations later in the regime). It is disarming to note that the eventual decline of imperial power, followed by the official end of the dynasty on the 4th of June 907, hardly affected the great artistic turnover.
During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual’s social rank. In spite of the limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings – known as mingqi – have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic figures – representing warriors, animals, entertainers, musicians, guardians and every other necessary category of assistant – were buried with the dead in order to provide for the afterlife. Warriors (lokapala) were put in place to defend the dead, while horses/ camels were provided for transport, and officials to run his estate in the hereafter. Of all the various types of mingqi, however, there are none more elegant or charming than the sculptures of sophisticated female courtiers, known – rather unfairly – as “fat ladies...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Antiquities
Materials
Pottery