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LOT 2142
Chinese Han Ceramic Animal Figure Group
HAN DYNASTY, 206 B.C.-220 A.D. OR LATER
3 1/4 - 4 1/4 in. (750 grams total, 7-11 cm).
Including a horse, coiled snake and cattle animal, all with stylised anatomical detailing. [4]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. similar ceramic figure group in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1st-3rd century AD, inventory no.1994.605.21.
FootnotesThe popularisation of these models of daily life called mingqi over the course of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) reflects dramatic changes in Chinese society. They are an exemplification of how power circulated beyond the imperial government and nobility to a broader bureaucratic classes, that looked for gratification for themselves and their families in the afterlife with clay, fashioned into models ranging from crude earthenware to fine glazed stoneware.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Large Chinese Tang Bronze 'Pagoda' Reliquary Stupa
Tang to Liao Dynasty, circa 907-1125 A.D. or laterEstimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
With three-tiered square and stepped base showing bodhi leaves, flaming jewels and foliage tendrils respectively, surmounted by a pierced frieze, each side depicting a seated Buddha flanked by standing figures and clouds; with triple pitched and hipped roof elements rising above pierced wall panels; in turn all surmounted by a column with five graduated discs affixed and terminating in a four-lobed lamniform element. 4.9 kg, 59 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1960s to early 1970s. ‘Buckingham Collection’, the late Nik Douglas (1944-2012), renowned author, curator and Asian art expert. -
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Chinese Tang Ceramic Standing Camel
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £585
Modelled in the round standing on a rectangular base and styled with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing, its humps falling in different positions, tail held to one side of the rump, detailing to the coat, mane, eyes and muzzle. 3.55 kg, 44 cm high
From the R.M. Hicks OBE private collection, UK.
Camels symbolised the prosperity of the Silk Route, the trade routes between China, Europe, and the Middle East. This Bactrian camel, like most of the terracotta figures produced during the Imperial Tang period, was part of the funerary kit. -
Sino-Tibetan Gilt Bronze Seated Figure of Four-Armed Guanyin
Circa 19th-20th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round seated cross-legged on a double lotus flower base, two hands pressed together before the chest, two hands holding attributes at shoulder height, wearing a crown and jewels. 3.5 kg, 25.2 cm high
Ex Madison Square Gallery, New York, USA. Property of a Canadian family. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11889-204957.
