Chinese Tang Dynasty Mingqi of a Guardian Soldier

$372.79

A very fine hollow-moulded terracotta guardian soldier figure from the Chinese Tang Dynasty period. The figure is presented standing and with both hands holding what looks like a long sword inside its scabbard. The figure is wearing a military attire, comprising a helmet and a long cloak over his uniform. The rims of his garment, along with his thickened collar, are finely detailed in the terracotta. His facial features are minacious, with a deeply carved mouth, widened nostrils and raised eyebrows, thus to intimidate any offenders. The statuette features traces of  the original white and red pigments, which would have been applied after firing.

Date: Circa 618-906 AD
Period: Tang Dynasty
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection. 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, but also from other cultures.
Condition: Very fine, some earthly encrustations to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: CS-176 Category: Tags: ,

Grave goods were an important status symbol in ancient China, so the affluent and important would be accompanied in their travels through the afterlife with numerous depictions of people, items and animals. Such terracotta figures were made for the service and entertainment of the owner, ensuring that their journey in the underworld was a happy one.

To discover more about the Roger Moss Collection, visit our Provenance Collection Page.

Weight 250 g
Dimensions H 17.5 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

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