**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A fabulous gilt pottery head (gilding comprised of 50% gold) wearing an elaborate tri-tiered headdress. Flanked by ears with extending lobes that symbolize his spirituality, the tranquil visage presents black-painted, almond-shaped eyes beneath an arched brow, a flat, triangular nose, and thin lips held in a gentle smile. The ancient figure's headdress is embellished with an incised lattice motif and a spiraling volute on each side. Three tendrils of black human hair representing his beard sprout from his chin and the sides of his face. Note the artist's careful attention to detail in the figure's shallow dimples and the folds of flesh that lay across his brow. Quality of gilding: 50%, equivalent to 12 karat. Size: 3" W x 4.375" H (7.6 cm x 11.1 cm); 8.625" H (21.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired 2007; ex-Arts du Monde, New York City, New York, USA

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#159718

Fragment of larger piece. Tendril of hair on proper left side missing. A few chips on verso and base have been reattached. Miniscule area of loss under mouth. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining gilding and hair.