Originally listed at $800

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE; Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A set of 2 mold-formed pottery male tomb attendants covered with lustrous, verdant green glaze. The Ming Dynasty figure stands with feet hidden beneath his robe, hold both hands atop his chest, and has a tall hat brim extending upwards above his forehead. The taller Tang Dynasty figure stands with visible boots atop an integral quadruped plinth, holds his right arm to his chest with a central hole meant to grasp an implement, and stares forward with eyes cloaked beneath heavy lids. His chin is lined with a pitchfork-style beard, and his head is capped with a cylindrical black cap. Size (taller figure): 3.625" W x 11.5" H (9.2 cm x 29.2 cm); (second figure): 2.25" W x 6.25" H (5.7 cm x 15.9 cm)

The larger figure has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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.

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#172204

Restoration to areas of base of largest figure with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines; shorter figure is intact and very good. Both figures have small nicks, light abrasions, softening to some finer details particularly on faces, and mild fading to glaze pigment. Nice remains of glaze pigment in most areas. Larger figure has TL drill holes on base, back of right ear, and bottom of robe.