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LOT 2077
Large Chinese Tang Terracotta Court Lady
TANG DYNASTY, 618-907 A.D.
14 3/4 in. (1.16 kg, 37.5 cm high).
Modelled standing facing on a rectangular base with chamfered corners, one hand held within a voluminous sleeve and clutching at her breast, the other gathering her floor length robe at the waist, her hair dressed in an elaborate style on the top of the head.
ProvenanceEx Cotswold, UK, collection, 1970-1990.
LiteratureCf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 1979.108, for a comparable example.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Chinese Han Gilded Bronze Sword Pommel with Jade
Han Dynasty, 2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,100
Comprising a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in high-relief to the exterior, displaying a procession of vegetal forms alternating with real and mythical creatures, each with stylised anatomical detailing: a monkey; a fenghuang; a leopard (or other feline); a tiger; set with a moonstone-quality khotain jade roundel, carved in high-relief with two sinuous fantastical beasts, swirling clouds in the field; minor restoration. 387 grams, 76 mm
Some restoration, very good condition.
Acquired from Dandelion Fine Arts, Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 1970s. Ex Prof. David Anderson collection. UK private collection, circa 2010. Accompanied by a copy of metallurgic analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12036-211774.
The Khotain jade was the best 'moonstone' quality used for gilded-bronzes, and came from the White Jade River, available after the signature of a military treaty in about 69BC to 101AD. This object is believed to have been produced for a notable client, likely even for a royal given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan. -
Large Chinese Han Terracotta Horse Torso
Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Modelled with head erect and ears pricked, painted harness and bride detailing; socket for the separate tail. 9.95 kg total, 40 cm high
From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C124a4 from Oxford Authentication. -
Chinese Song Terracotta Tile with Philosopher
Song Dynasty, circa 960-1279 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With high-relief image modelled in the half-round, standing figure in long robe and impressive headgear, clutching his beard to his chest. 3.4 kg, 32 x 18 cm
Ex Cotswold collection, UK, 1990s.