Chinese Tang Style Terracotta Groom Figure

Well potted with slightly rounded sides rising from the foot to a flared mouth rim; the interior harmoniously decorated with three purple and lavender oval splashes of similar size and position, the blue glaze suffused with fine bubbles and a light network of crackles, thinning to a light mushroom tone at the rim, the area around the foot and the foot itself are unglazed. 106 grams, 95 mm



South German family collection, acquired on the Bavarian art market. Formerly collection of the German diplomat Ernst A. Voretzsch (1868-1965), consul in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hankow, from 1928 to 1933.

A charming and excellently preserved example of Jun ware.

Each hollow-formed, standing on an integral polygonal base and dressed in a loose-fitting floor-length robe with V-shaped opening at the neck, chignon, dressed hair, painted facial detailing; cloud-slippers protruding at the base; painted pigmentation remaining, including some decorative patterns on the clothes. 7.65 kg total, 49.5 cm high



From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C124a5 from Oxford Authentication for one of the figures. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13234-250854.

The dresses of these Ladies are just one example of the elaborate fashions in clothing and hairstyles that could appear at the Court. The basic pattern of short jacket with long sleeves or bodice and, long, wide skirt could be varied a thousandfold in cut, colour and accessories.

Standing on a hexagonal base with pointed shoes, dressed in an ankle-length robe tied at the waist; separate head with a conical cap. 1.46 kg, 41.5 cm



Ex Sotheby's, London, circa 1990s. London, UK, collection.