Chinese Tang Ceramic Standing Camel

TANG DYNASTY, 618-907 A.D. OR LATER

17 3/8 in. (3.55 kg, 44 cm high).

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.

Provenance

From the R.M. Hicks OBE private collection, UK.

Literature

See Watson, W., The Genius of China, London, 1973, fig.293, for the type.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 2130