Lot 119A
East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A figure carved in silence and solemnity, this seated dignitary from the Han Dynasty sits with timeless composure - knees tucked beneath the folds of his robe, gaze lifted in dignified repose. Molded from earthen clay and touched with the fading breath of red slip, he once served in the realm of the dead, where spirits mirrored the courts of the living. With one hand resting across his lap, he raises the other in a composed gesture, grasping the handle of a broad paddle or ceremonial flag - a symbol of rank or ritual authority. The lines of his robe ripple in gentle arcs, evoking the practiced elegance of courtly posture. His face is round and softly modeled, the lips drawn in a faint, knowing smile. A tall cap rises from his head, tilted ever so slightly to one side, adding a touch of individual character to this idealized form. Size: 7.5" L x 9.5" W x 19.5" H (19 cm x 24.1 cm x 49.5 cm)
Figures such as this were part of elaborate funerary assemblages known as mingqi - tomb furnishings meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife. Officials, warriors, musicians, and courtiers were arranged as a retinue, ensuring that the comforts and hierarchies of the earthly realm would accompany the soul into eternity. This particular figure, with his formal garments and composed bearing, likely represented a herald, attendant, or administrator at the imperial court.
The Han Dynasty was an age of bureaucratic sophistication and spiritual ambition, where Confucian ideals met ancestral reverence in clay and pigment. This sculpture embodies that synthesis: a quiet testament to order, intellect, and the enduring bonds between the living and the dead.
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195600
- Condition: Weathering and abrasions to surface commensurate with age, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remaining detail and rich encrustations throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |