Chinese polychrome ceramic Lady, Tang dynasty (618 - 906)

A figure modelled in ceramic with polychrome. It is hollow inside.

The posture is harmoniously arranged, gracefully standing, with the body balanced to one side. The intention is to show her beauty and elegance in every movement. The base is thin and occupies practically the same space as the figure. The tunic she wears has heavy pleats, with long sleeves covering her hands and long enough to practically cover her shoes. Both the headdress, clothing and body shape are similar to those of other ladies of the period. 

There are traces of red, black and white pigment on the body and head. The details of the face, eyes, eyebrows, blushes and mouth are marked with pigment. The passage of time has caused wear and tear and patina to appear on the figure. 

Height: 32.40 cm.

References:

Metropolian Museum, "Court lady" Tang dynasty (reference no. 1979.108).

Christie's "Important Chinese Ceramics and works of art" 25 March 2022, lot 1064. Auction price: 10,080 USD.

Provenance:

Spanish private collection. 

This important private collection comes from a successful national and international construction and investment businessman who resided in various locations in Spain and the South of France. This part of the collection, exhibited exclusively for the first time at auction, focuses on Chinese ceramics from the Tang dynasty and is a collection of museum quality pieces. The family's tradition of travel dates back to the success of an ancestor who in the 1930s travelled to Manila, Shanghai, Cairo, Havana, etc., practising the sport of "cesta punta", and in particular, motivated by an interest in discovering different cultures, which led them to build up a large collection. In general, their interest in art is such that their collection includes pieces of both Asian and European origin.

The acquisition of the collection began in the 1990s and was built up during years of study in Madrid and on various trips to Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Spain and Germany; at reputable antique dealers such as "Arch Angel" in Hong Kong and international auctions such as Nagel. Specialists have also collaborated in the selection, study and verification of the pieces, as can be seen in the accompanying documentation: invoices, studies and reports.