East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A splendid mold-made pottery figure stylized and shown standing with hands together at waist and draped in lengthy, flared robe, representing a house attendant or servant. The terracotta surface is painted with pigments in hues of black, beige, with great preservation to the bright red and teal robes! This figure is known as a mingqi or "spirit utensil" created to care for a deceased individual of high status in the afterlife, and this statue was placed inside a tomb during funerals. By recreating the daily life of the emperor's court or a noble person's world with pottery servants, the deceased could transition into the afterlife with familiar possessions and companions. Size: 4.1" W x 12.8" H (10.4 cm x 32.5 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, December 14, 2022, lot 574, #4757-173; ex-collection of Dr. Edmund Bourke, Yonkers, New York, USA, # CH86; ex-Flores Arts and Antiques, West 25th Street, New York City, New York, USA

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#179469

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done very well and barely noticeable. Some nicks and pitting to surface as shown, but otherwise in excellent condition with impressive pigments and detail. Old labels from Arte Primitivo and Dr. Edmund Bourke collection on underside of base.