Lot 85
East Asia, China, Sui Dynasty, ca. 581 to 618 CE. A striking embodiment of early medieval Chinese military formality, this terracotta figure represents a standing warrior of the Sui Dynasty - a brief but pivotal era that unified China and paved the way for the Tang golden age. The soldier stands in a dynamic pose, one fist raised in tension, the other clenched by his side, with legs firmly planted atop a circular base. His expression is stern and purposeful, with deeply furrowed brows, almond-shaped eyes, and a pronounced beard rendered with delicate linear incisions. He wears a tight-fitting helmet that covers the ears and crown, framing his fierce visage. His breastplate and sleeves are modeled with scrollwork and bossed medallions that suggest lamellar armor, indicating rank and elite status. His skirted tunic curves with incised arc motifs, and traces of original white and red pigment still cling to the surface, hinting at the statue's once-vibrant finish. Size: 6.4" L x 8.9" W x 22.8" H (16.3 cm x 22.6 cm x 57.9 cm)
Such figures were interred in tombs as mingqi (spirit goods), believed to guard the deceased and maintain order in the afterlife. Warriors like this were often placed in procession with attendants, animals, and officials, forming a miniature terracotta entourage that echoed the social and military hierarchy of the living world. This piece captures both the stylistic boldness and formal rigidity of Sui funerary sculpture - a tradition that blends artistic expression with metaphysical protection. The powerful gesture and armored detailing suggest a transitional aesthetic, bridging Han naturalism and Tang dynamism.
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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#194729
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with restoration to face and break lines visible in a few areas. Weathering to surface commensurate with age, but, otherwise, very nice presentation with impressive remaining detail and traces of pigment in areas.
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