Lot 99
East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A quietly ceremonial duo, these two Chinese Ming dynasty glazed pottery tomb attendants stand in composed formation, their presence intended to serve eternally rather than impress loudly. Modeled as slender court figures, each attendant wears a long robe washed in a turquoise-green glaze, the surfaces softened by burial and time, with areas of wear revealing the pale ceramic body beneath. Their tall, rounded hats rise above delicately rendered faces marked by calm, almost meditative expressions. Subtle variations distinguish each figure - differences in facial modeling, posture, and glaze tone suggest individualized attendants rather than repeated molds, reinforcing their role as members of a larger, ordered tomb retinue. Each figure holds an object close to the chest, likely symbolic of service or ritual duty, while the long sleeves and vertical folds of their garments emphasize stillness and restraint. Size: 3.5" W x 13.5" H (8.9 cm x 34.3 cm)
Such figures were produced for elite burials during the Ming dynasty, where they functioned as spiritual substitutes for living servants, ensuring comfort, protection, and social continuity in the afterlife. The turquoise and green lead glazes, though now mottled and uneven, would originally have provided a luminous contrast within the tomb environment, catching what little light filtered below ground. Together, this group embodies the Ming dynasty belief in an afterlife structured much like the earthly court - orderly, hierarchical, and meticulously staffed. The quiet dignity of these attendants, preserved across centuries, offers a compelling glimpse into funerary practice, ceramic craftsmanship, and the enduring human desire to carry status and service beyond death. Each figure modeled in 2 pieces - body and head. Head is removable on each.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005
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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.
#199667
- Condition: Minor chips and pigment wear. Areas of silvery iridescence confirming authenticity of these figures.
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| 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 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |