East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A charming pottery figure of a man shown kneeling and draped in a heavy robe that folds at the chest. The endearing figure extends his left arm outwards with a long, billowing sleeve falling from his slender arm as he holds his hand in an open fist, as though having previously grasped an object - perhaps a parasol or fan for cooling a nobleman or a flag or banner to indicate the bloodline of his lord. Alternatively, his right hand rests to his side with his hand on his leg. Gazing forward, his round visage displays a friendly countenance with ovoid eyes beneath arched brows, a bulbous nose, full cheeks, and a warm smile, all flanked by a pair of naturalistic ears. His headdress ties in the back and drapes down his chin-length coiffure, which ends just before the thick collar of his tunic. Note the liberal remains of beige, pink, and black pigments that would have added a vibrant realism to our jovial friend. Size: 6.6" W x 8.8" H (16.8 cm x 22.4 cm)

The Han Dynasty was a period of wealth and stability for China, and the burial places of their rulers reflected this prosperity. Inside of burial mounds, hundreds and sometimes thousands of figures were placed, recreating the daily life of the emperor's court or a noble person's world. The creation of all these pottery figures spawned a huge industry and the remains of workshops have also been found near burial mounds.

Provenance: Barakat Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA acquired before 2000

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#170885

Left hand is removable. Some light softening of detail, as well as nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Stable surface fissure in lap area. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remaining pigments. Nice encrustations to interior. Collection label on verso.