Chinese Ming Figure Pair

A pair of ceramic male figures modelled standing in dynamic poses, likely playing a game of cuju, each wearing a floor-length robe and balancing a ball on one foot; one figure leaning forwards with his arms held behind his back, looking down towards the ball balanced on the end of his raised right foot; one figure moving his arms in opposite directions in an attempt to regain his balance, head leaning left, his right leg bent across his body at the knee, balancing a ball on the heel of his foot; each with semi-naturalistic facial features and hair tied in a top knot; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 6.85 kg total, 38.5-42.5 cm high



Ex Hong Kong collection. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Accompanied by thermoluminescence analysis report nos. C122k26 and C122k25 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11697-199217.

Cuju is the earliest recorded game of football which involved kicking a ball through a net without the use of the hands.

A jade box with curved profile, the base carved to the exterior with a stylised landscape composed of bounding deer, trees, mountains, swirling clouds and birds; lid with raised opposed fenghuangs pierced against a pierced field, flowering vines to the rim. 394 grams, 19.5 cm wide



Acquired London, UK, in the 1990s. Property of a London gentleman.

A pair of glazed polychrome ceramic figures standing robed with hair dressed in elaborate scalloped coiffures, each holding an offering and standing on a square tiered base. 447 grams total, 15.3-15.6 cm



Acquired 1970s. West Country, UK, collection.