Chinese Wei Terracotta Female Attendant Figure

Comprising: a shallow plate with a painted lake scene with boats on the water; the cup painted with a similar theme showing boats on the water and a fisherman. 92 grams total, 65-105 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.

A large figure showing the beast in an alert pose with raised head, flaring nostrils and pricked ears, the folds on the body indicated in red pigment; tail repaired. 5.54 kg, 53 cm long



Ex Hong Kong collection, 1990s. From a London, UK, collection. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.02C26042024 from Laboratory Kotalla.

Rhinoceroses in ancient China were highly revered and the depictions in art are typically lifelike, the earliest example is a bronze zun vessel, which is thought to date to the 11th century B.C. During Tang Dynasty, tamed rhinos were presented by foreign embassies to the court.

Low offering bowl with green glaze to the inner surface; openwork stand with six curving legs. 614 grams total, 15 cm



From a West Country, UK, collection, 1990s.