Keywords: earthenware sculpture, funerary guardian, tomb figure, mingqi, burial object, armored figure, shield bearer, ancient china art, early medieval china, polychrome pigments, hollow construction, archaeological artifact, ritual sculpture, warrior effigy

Summary:
Antique Chinese terracotta warrior figure modeled in a standing frontal pose,probably executed in the Northern Wei period (circa 4th–6th century CE). The figure wears a belted robe and helmet and holds a vertically positioned shield decorated in relief with a stylized mask motif. Traces of original polychrome decoration remain visible throughout, primarily in red, ochre, and buff tones, with surface encrustation and burial accretions consistent with long-term interment.

The right hand is formed with a pierced opening, suggesting the figure may originally have held an attribute such as a staff, pole, or weapon, now absent.

Measurement: 12 3/4 x 4 x 3 in. (32.4 x 10.2 x 7.6 cm.) approx

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