Lot 16
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A powerful terracotta tomb guardian figure (known as a mingqi), skillfully modeled in dynamic contrapposto with one hand raised, once likely holding a weapon such as a spear, banner, or flag, and the other planted at his hip. Standing atop a square plinth, this warrior exudes a powerful, assertive presence, likely intended to ward off malevolent forces and protect the deceased in the afterlife. His face is expressive and fierce, with wide, almond-shaped eyes, a bared toothy grimace, and thick, deeply carved brows - features crafted to intimidate spiritual adversaries. He wears a long belted tunic falling below the knee, fronted by a prominent bow-shaped ornament and apron panel, all rendered in high relief. Traces of red, white, and black pigment are still visible across his attire and face, indicating the sculpture was once vividly painted. Size: 5.1" L x 8.2" W x 20.6" H (13 cm x 20.8 cm x 52.3 cm)
Notably, the figure dons a distinctive cowl-like cap or hood, drawn tightly around the face, suggesting a Central Asian or nomadic influence common among Tang military figures - reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the empire during this period.
The robust stance, with feet firmly planted and broad shoulders squared, reinforces his role as a spiritual sentinel. Terracotta mingqi like this were interred in elite tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife - soldiers for protection, servants for utility, and entertainers for comfort. Their inclusion reflected beliefs in an animated afterlife mirroring earthly needs and social structures.
During the Tang Dynasty, funerary art reached new heights of realism and narrative complexity. Mingqi figures such as this one played a critical role in burial customs, embodying the deceased's social status, wealth, and cosmological beliefs. These figures were not merely decorative - they formed an active spiritual garrison, safeguarding tombs and ensuring harmony in the transition to the afterlife.
The Tang court's vast connections via the Silk Road brought foreign artistic styles, military technologies, and religious iconography into China, influencing how warriors and guardians were depicted. The helmeted figure here likely draws from depictions of non-Han mercenaries or border troops who patrolled the empire's peripheries - underscoring the diversity of Tang-era military personnel.
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10.221.6.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194243
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines; all done expertly and very difficult to notice. Some nicks and abrasions to surface, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good detail and liberal remaining pigments. Rich earthen deposits throughout.
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