The Golden Triangle

Tang Dynasty, China, 618–907 CE Chinese terracotta tomb guardian figure modeled with powerful features and an imposing stance intended to ward off evil spirits. Known as zhenmushou,...

Yangshao Culture, China, c. 5000–3000 BCE Terracotta vessel in the form of a stylized waterfowl, modeled with a rounded body and simplified animal features characteristic of early C...

Eastern Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 25–220 CE Green-glazed terracotta model of a livestock enclosure created as a mingqi funerary object during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Det...

Western Han Dynasty, Shaanxi Province, China, 2nd Century BCE Group of terracotta sculpted heads originating from Han Dynasty funerary figures created for elite tomb complexes. Rendered with restrained naturalism and individualized facial expressions, the works reflect the growing sculptural sophistication of early imperial China. Traces of original pigment remain visible across the surfaces, indicating that the figures were once fully painted in vivid ceremonial colors. Unlike the monumental terracotta sculptures of the Qin Dynasty, Han funerary figures were typically smaller and more intimate in character, representing attendants, servants, or guardians intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. These heads once belonged to a type of soldier figure...

Western Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Painted terracotta equestrian figure depicting a rider mounted on a sturdy horse with traces of original polychrome decoration remaining ac...

Qijia Culture, China, 2200–1600 BCE Rare terracotta vessel in the form of a stylized bird, possibly an ostrich, reflecting the imaginative ceramic traditions of Neolithic China. Dec...

Eastern Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 25–220 CE A Rare terracotta duck figure created as a mingqi funerary object during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Animal sculptures of this t...

Western Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Small terracotta figure of a cow rendered in a simplified and highly stylized form characteristic of early Chinese funerary...

Dawenkou–Longshan Culture, Shandong Province, China, c. 3000–2000 BCE Terracotta tripod vessel known as a Gui (鬶), representing one of the earliest ritual ceramic forms developed in ...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta tripod ding vessel modeled after ancient Chinese ritual bronze forms. Raised on three sturdy legs and fitted with loop handles and a dom...

Lower Xiajiadian Culture, China, c. 2000–1400 BCE Ancient terracotta tripod vessel known as a Li (鬲), designed for cooking over an open fire. Its hollow legs allowed heat to circulat...

Western Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–8 CE Burnished black pottery jar known as a “Cocoon Jar,” representing one of the most distinctive ceramic forms of the Han Dynasty. Characterized...

Ming Dynasty, China, 1368–1644 CE Terracotta equestrian figure depicting a mounted rider holding a bird in an animated ceremonial gesture. The sculpture features finely modeled detai...

Tang Dynasty, China, 618–907 CE A painted terracotta Tang camel figure, reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of imperial China and the importance of Silk Road trade networks. Sculptur...

By the Western Han dynasty, basic household bowls, plates, basins, jars, etc. were produced in great quantity, not only for use in daily life, but also specifically for tombs as ming...

Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta figure depicting a fish cook or food preparer, rendered with a lively expression and naturalistic posture characterist...

Western Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE A very large and expressive painted terracotta depiction of a horse and rider. This very large horse and rider are of vivid expression, with traces of original polychrome decoration remaining across the saddle, garments, harness, and tunic. Created as mingqi funerary objects, sculptures of this type were placed within tombs to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. The horse reflects the Han court’s admiration for powerful Central Asian steeds, valued for their importance in military expansion and imperial prestige. The expressive modeling and surviving bright pigments preserve the artistic refinement characteristic of early imperial Chinese funerary...

An Eastern Han Dynasty terracotta model of an agricultural milling shed from Sichuan Province, China, dating 25–220 CE. Created as a mingqi funerary object, architectural models of t...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Rare terracotta model of a farm courtyard created as mingqi for placement within elite tombs during the Han Dynasty. The composition features an en...

Eastern Han Dynasty, China, 25–220 CE Impressive green and amber glazed pottery model of a multi-story tower reflecting the funerary traditions of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The tower ...

Yangshao Culture, China, c. 5000–3000 BCE A large painted terracotta basin decorated with finely executed black mineral-pigment motifs over a warm earthenware surface. Flowing geomet...

Tang Dynasty, 618-906 CE Terracotta figure depicting a Bactrian camel, reflecting the growing importance of overland trade and contact with the Western Regions during the Tang Dynast...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta sculpture of a reclining dog created as a mingqi funerary object intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. This figure appe...

Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Large red terracotta figure of an entertainer produced in the Sichuan region during the Han Dynasty. The sculpture captures a liv...

Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Large terracotta entertainer figure portrayed with an animated stance and expressive smiling features characteristic of Shuochang...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta sculpture of a standing -possibly snarling- dog created as a mingqi funerary object intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlif...

Majiayao Culture, China, c. 3300–2000 BCE Painted terracotta vessel distinguished by twin loop handles and flowing geometric decoration characteristic of the refined ceramic traditio...

Majiayao Culture, China, c. 3300–2000 BCE Painted pottery jar associated with the refined ceramic traditions of Neolithic northwestern China. The vessel features bold spiral motifs r...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Large terracotta storage vessel featuring a rounded body, flared rim, and an aged earthen patina with natural encrustation accumulated over time, e...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta vessel with handle featuring a simple utilitarian form enhanced by a weathered old patina accumulated over time. Pottery vessels of thi...

Dawenkou Culture, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta vessel modeled in the form of an animal, combining sculptural design with practical function. Vessels of this type likely served as...

Qijia Culture, China, c. 2200–1600 BCE Terracotta vessel distinguished by its rounded body and projecting spout, reflecting the functional yet refined pottery traditions of the Qijia...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Refined grey pottery vessel distinguished by its elegant garlic-mouth form and elongated neck rising from a rounded body. Crafted in finely finishe...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Group of ten painted terracotta musician figures modeled as part of a ceremonial ensemble during the Han Dynasty. Created as mingqi funerary object...

Neolithic Culture, China, c. 3000–1600 BCE Large terracotta tripod vessel with three large hollow legs inspired by early Chinese ceramic forms associated with cooking and ritual use....

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta figure of a cook depicted standing in a composed frontal pose while holding a small bird in one hand and a chicken beneath the opposite...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE-220CE Black terracotta vessel decorated with root-like impressed surface patterns and four molded dragon mask motifs positioned around the body. The scul...

Eastern Han Dynasty, Henan Province, China, 25–220 CE Glazed terracotta funerary tower created as a mingqi spirit object intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Archit...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Painted terracotta model of a multi-level funerary structure, possibly a house or a pleasure house, for entertainment. It is populated with miniatu...

Terracotta figure depicting a mythical chimera guardian creature combining features of a dragon and lion, inspired by traditional Chinese protective beasts. Traces of original pigmen...

Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta figure depicting a food preparer rendered with a lively expression and naturalistic posture characteristic of Han fune...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE A Pair of finely painted terracotta horses created as mingqi funerary objects for an elite tomb during the Han Dynasty. These sculptures display th...

Tang Dynasty, China, 618–907 CE Group of terracotta mingqi figures depicting foreign and Chinese musicians in animated performance poses, reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of the T...

Zhaoqing, China, Middle Qing Dynasty, c. 1800 A naturally formed scholar’s rock, or gongshi, from Zhaoqing, a region renowned for producing prized viewing stones appreciated by schol...

An Eastern Han Dynasty glazed terracotta funerary tower from Henan Province, China, created as a mingqi (spirit object) for an elite tomb burial. Architectural models of this type we...

This striking bookshelf was creatively fashioned from an antique Indian architectural arch, preserving the intricate hand-carved details that once adorned a traditional haveli or cou...

A beautifully weathered Chinese painted sideboard featuring a long rectangular form and a richly aged red lacquer surface. The front is compo...

This tapered side chest was once part of a pair an elegant courtyard house. Its round-posted design dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and produces a refined profile at a small co...

This architectural model dates to the early 20th century. Small-scale, three-dimensional physical models were used as a rough draft or preliminary study to visualize, test, and refin...

A handsome Chinese kitchen cabinet with strong architectural presence and finely worked details. The upper section features four paneled doors fitted with vertical latticework, allow...

A remarkable 19th-century Chinese altar table, distinguished by its original linen-covered surface, now beautifully aged into a textured, stone-like patina. Over generations, the lin...

A substantial Indian rosewood dining table in the British Colonial tradition, featuring a richly grained top with multiple extension leave...

A finely crafted serving table in the William IV style, of the period, executed in richly toned mahogany solids and veneers. The long rectangular top is framed by a gently molded edg...

This low kang chest is crafted from elmwood, featuring a long rectangular form with a floating panel top and a warm honey-toned patina. The façade is balanced with two side drawers a...

This large wooden mirror was made in The Golden Triangle's Chicago workshop. It is made from poplar wood and covered in red lacquer, gold paint, and genuine gold leaf. It was carved ...

This refined pair of Italian nightstands reflects the elegant modernism and meticulous craftsmanship associated with style of Paolo Buffa, possibly made by Dassi, Milano, circa 1950s...

A beautifully aged French leather armchair with a timeless, club-style silhouette. The rich brown leather displays an exceptional, time-earned patina, with natural creasing and tonal...

An exceptional Val d’Osne cast iron garden dating to the late 19th Century. Adorned with intricately detailed horned satyr heads, this urn exemplifies the elegance and artistry of th...

A sculptural wooden mortar from the Naga tribes of Northeast India, carved from dense saal wood, c. 1900. Traditionally used for pounding rice or grain, the form reflects the practic...

This British Colonial bed is crafted from richly grained teak in Rangoon, Burma. It dates to c.1940. The headboard and footboard display bold geometric carving with radiating fan mot...