**Originally Listed At $600**

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A fine set of two matching pottery acrobats shown in an intricate handstand pose. Each figure presents with a slender body, legs in an inverted kneeling position to aid in maintaining their balance, and a head raised forward to observe their landing area. Layers of red, white, and yellow pigment suggest that these performers were adorned with beautiful garments at one time that would have made their performance even more entrancing. Size of largest: 4.5" L x 1.875" W x 2.9" H (11.4 cm x 4.8 cm x 7.4 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis by Oxford Authenticated Ltd. (August 17, 2001) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A copy of the Oxford TL test will accompany this lot upon purchase.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private French collection before 2005

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs broker.

#164175

Both figures repaired from multiple pieces, with earthen material and small chips along break lines. Both pieces have heavy earthen deposits, fading and abrasions to pigmentation, softening to some facial details, and nicks to hands and feet. Nice remains of pigment throughout. One figure has a TL drill hole beneath the abdomen.