通稿

The collection we are presenting at the auction on March 28th reflects the discerning taste of a collector for art during the Han and Tang dynasties. Our collector has carefully and meticulously selected these works from the foremost galleries of the time, and we are proud today to assist in the transmission of this rich heritage.


CHINA
HAN DYNASTY (206 BCE - 220 CE)
Mingqi
Polychrome gray terracotta depicting a kneeling court lady, one arm along the body, the other folded. She is dressed in a long coat with flared sleeves. The head is removable, with finely outlined facial features accentuated in black, and the hair strands finely detailed. H. 46.5 cm
PROVENANCE
Certificate of authenticity from Gisèle Croës Gallery, Brussels, dated February 27, 1987 (Oxford thermoluminescence test dated February 23, 1987, no. 366u31).

CHINA
HAN DYNASTY (206 BCE - 220 CE)
Funerary Model of a House
Terracotta with iridescent green lead glaze. The tall house features a double-pitched roof covered with tiles. In the center of the facade, there is a balcony supported by two corbels and opening onto two windows with folded shutters. The whole structure rests on four legs, two of which are in the shape of bears with rounded bellies. H. 47.5 cm; Dim. 31.5 x 20 cm
PROVENANCE
Certificate of authenticity from Gisèle Croës Gallery, Brussels, dated April 23, 1985.


CHINA
TANG DYNASTY (618-907)
Important Mingqi
Pale glazed terracotta partially in "sancai" (brown, green, and cream) depicting a stableman standing, torso turned to the right, arms holding reins and controlling an animal. He is dressed in a belted tunic and leggings while his forehead is adorned with a tied headband. Full face with pronounced features, lively expression. H. 61.5 cm
PROVENANCE
Certificate of authenticity from Gisèle Croës Gallery, Brussels, dated November 13, 1984 (Oxford thermoluminescence test from May 31, 1984, detail no. 366g13).

Remarkable for their size, quality of execution, and state of preservation, these three objects are valuable witnesses to the attention paid to funerary practices in ancient China. Indeed, the concern to accompany the deceased to their final resting place included the placement of figurines made of wood or terracotta alongside them to ensure a comfortable stay in the afterlife. These funerary substitutes, miniature representations of characters, animals, or objects, are called mingqi, "bright objects."

These are found abundantly as early as the Qin (221-206 BC), Western Han (206 BC - 9 AD), and even under the Tang (618-907 AD) dynasties. Through their liveliness and diversity, they are a rich testimony to daily life during these periods.

Asian Art
Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 2:30 PM

For more information or to include a lot in our auctions, contact:
Clémentine Guyot
Head of Asian Arts
+33 1 84 20 09 18
guyot@aguttes.com