Chinese Tang Terracotta Courtly Lady

A hollow-moulded grey pottery figure of an attendant, depicted standing in a reverent pose with typical Han Dynasty slender form, wearing the traditional Eastern Han Dynasty shenyi court attire, consisting of a long vest tied at the waist and long, flaring sleeves with remains of decoration executed in red and white brush strokes. 1.4 kg, 37.5 cm

Fine condition.

Ex The late Sir Roger Moss OBE collection. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.

The late C. Roger Moss OBE was a renowned art collector who, throughout the years, thanks to his determination and enthusiasm, was able to create an outstanding collection of artworks, most prominently from China and the Orient. His high-profile career included impactful tenures as Finance Director of British Airways and latterly of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation in Hong Kong. Counting some of the world's most respected curators, collectors and artists amongst his friends, Roger loved to seek out unusual and challenging finds and to share his passion for those historic and cultural objects with others, regularly giving talks on 'Collecting and the Collector'. President of the Oriental Ceramic Society: 'Many OCS members enjoyed 'foraging' with Roger in their own quest for the 'perfect treasure'. His deep intellect and emotional sensitivity are reflected in the art which he purchased and the sale of his artworks which now allows others to further enjoy the expression of beauty and form.'

Each a miniature bowl with landscape motif to the centre, stippled band below the rim, tan-brown exterior. 250 grams total, 65-66 mm



Ex Sotheby's, Amsterdam, 29-31 January 2007. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Ca Mau shipwreck.

The Ca Mau shipwreck refers to a cargo of Chinese porcelain sunk between 1723 and 1735 off the coast of Vietnam. The wreck was discovered by Vietnamese fishermen in 1998. It is believed the wreck was a merchant’s junk on its way from Canton (Guangzhou) to Batavia when it caught fire and sank. The ship was carrying goods destined for Dutch traders who had limited access to China and its ports.

Each a broad dish with low basal ring, band of stamped geometric ornament to the outer edge, rolled rim, chop seal to centre. 1.78 kg total, 27.6-28.3 cm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.