Chinese Tang Terracotta Sogdian or Semitic Groom

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.

A wide plate with stepped rim, traces of floral decoration to the inner face and large petals to the outer face. 1.66 kg, 34 cm wide



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.

Tongue-shaped curving body with a bird-head finial, a toggle on the reverse; the body extensively decorated with spirals and linear motifs, the lower end depicting a stylised bird head with large ring-and-dot eyes and beak with curving lines. 25.9 grams, 88.6 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.