A PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A FEMALE ATTENDANT
Possibly Han Dynasty or Later
42 x 13 x 9 cm
(16.5 x 4.75 x 3.5 in)
Modeled standing in a solemn, upright pose, with hands clasped in front of the body. The figure wears a simple, yet elegant robe, with subtle details defining the folds and creases of the garment. Terracotta figures such as this were commonly placed in tombs during the Han Dynasty, serving as “spirit figures” (Mingqi) that would accompany the deceased to the afterlife. The simplicity and muted design of the figure reflect its utilitarian function, where form and posture were more important than elaborate decoration. Such figures, typically made in the likeness of attendants or guards, were believed to protect the deceased and provide companionship in the afterlife.
Lot location: Cebu, the Philippines
Gallery
