Chinese Wei Terracotta Female Figure

With bifacial handle, a standing robed Buddha figure in high-relief on both faces, with variations in detail to the clothing and details. 124 grams, 23cm

Fine condition.

The RWM Collection; acquired in Germany 2019. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

Comprising four shallow plates with central floral motif enclosed within a double border. 1 kg total, 16.2 cm each



Ex Nagel Auction, with official Tek Sing Treasure labels to verso. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Tek Sing shipwreck.

The Tek Sing (True Star) wreck is one of the famous recovery stories of the 20th century. Sailing from the port of Xiamen (then known as Amoy) in February 1822 the vessel Tek Sing was bound for Jakarta, Indonesia laden with porcelain goods and 1600 Chinese emigrants. The captain decided to pass through the Gaspar Strait, between the Bangka-Belitung Islands, and ran aground on a reef. The vessel sank in about 100 feet of water. The next morning, February 7, an English East Indiaman captained by James Pearl, passing through the same waters, encountered debris and some survivors and managed to rescue about 190 of the latter.

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'. He was the 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.'