Sino-Tibetan Gilt Bronze Headdress

Hollow-formed figure modelled in the round of a dancer wearing a cross-over jacket with bell sleeves hanging at her sides, hair drawn back and secured in a chignon. 4.4 kg, 45 cm high



From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s.

With piriform body and trumpet-shaped mouth, two loop handles to the equator; hatching to the shoulder and ring of pricking below the neck. 12.6 kg, 58 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Modelled on a rectangular base, the horse standing in harness and with a long saddlecloth; the rider modelled seated in the saddle, arms held before the body, holding cymbals. 1.65 kg, 30.5 cm high



Ex North Yorkshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

The finest of ceramic figures during the Ming Dynasty have a simplicity and compactness of modelling that makes them extremely impressive. Far greater freedom of movement was possible in ceramic sculpture, which now lent an air of gaiety and splendour already glittering with yellow, blue, and green tiles. Boldly conceived figures of men and horses in green-and-brown-glazed terracotta (liu-li) are splendid examples of the confident manner in which Ming craftsmen revived and transformed the style of the Tang Dynasty. These attendants on horseback are excellent examples of Ming Dynasty tomb pottery. The glazed sculptures were placed in burial chambers in order to flaunt social status, wealth, and power.