Lot 29
East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A tall and stately presence in earthen clay, this Han dynasty pottery figure evokes the ceremonial stillness of an eternal court. Sculpted in a slender, elongated form and standing with a composed, forward gaze, the figure likely represents a male attendant - one of the mingqi or tomb figures created to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The figure's form is both abstract and expressive, with a columnar lower body that flares outward at the hem, providing elegant stability to the vertical silhouette. The arms are folded discreetly in front, sleeves draping in low relief, while the head is capped with a rectangular headdress, typical of court attire. Though worn, the facial features remain discernible, framed by delicate remnants of red and black pigment. Traces of red along the collar and cuffs and swirling white along the skirt suggest the figure once bore colorful robes that further animated its lifelike presence. Size: 4.8" L x 6.3" W x 21.5" H (12.2 cm x 16 cm x 54.6 cm)
This sculpture reflects the enduring influence of Confucian ritualism on Han funerary art, where the afterlife was envisioned as a continuation of earthly hierarchy and decorum. Tall figures like this one, impressive in scale and quiet dignity, would have been placed in the tomb to accompany their lord, ensuring comfort, order, and propriety in the realm beyond.
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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#194728
- Condition: Surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown, but otherwise, intact and excellent with good remains of pigments and rich earthen deposits throughout.
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