Polychromed Antiquities

A fantastic piece. Wonderfully glazed and colored work of a seated man with brightly colored robes riding a mythical galloping horse. We believe this is Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) ...

This piece is a small ceramic vessel with a distinctive silhouette modeled after a pomegranate, notable for its full, well-balanced curves. The mouth, reminiscent of the fruit’s caly...

Antique 18th century export Chinese lacquer gaming box with hand painted scenes gilt export black lacquer, there are 7 gaming boxes and 12 trays, size: ...

Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vase The spherical body with a long cylindrical neck, on a raised circular foot, decorated with cranes and foliage on a green ground. Height 15.5 in. Diamet...

A finely carved Bamboo representing a sage Chinese Qing Dynasty, 19th century Good condition as shown in the photos Height 25.5 cm Beautiful aged patina

Two finely hollow-moulded terracotta statuettes from ancient China, dating to the Ming Dynasty. The figure is depicted standing, dressed in long, flowing robes, painted in vibrant blue or green and deep amber yellow. The hair is styled into an elaborate top-knot, painted in a muted brown. Areas left unpainted would have been 'cold-painted' after firing, contrasting with the vivid fired blue or green and amber pigments. The figure is shown with the left hand raised to the chest, as if holding something, possibly an offering or incense. Figurines like this were placed in tombs to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The Ming Dynasty was known for its exceptional artistic achievements, partly due to its economic prosperity. Since the Han Dynasty, it was customary to bury terracotta miniatures of everyday objects with the deceased. These items, known as mingqi, or "spirit utensils" and "vessels for ghosts," were believed to help and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi were crafted in the form of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of houses, temples, furniture, and other items. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figures were also popular, designed to assist, entertain, and recreate the living world for the deceased. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green/blue-glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Ancient & Oriental - Terracotta Tomb Attendants (Type : Highly related) 2) La Maison De La Petite Sara S.r.l. - Archaeology section - A Black glazed Terracotta Statuette, Servant with Trumpet, Ming Dynasty (Price realised : 700 GBP / Type : Highly related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...

Tibetan wooden Buddhist Mahakala mask (Shaman Exorcism Mask Yama God of Death) with stand. Age: Tibet, 19th Century Size: Height 36.6 C.M. / Width 2...

Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base. Age: Burma, Shan Period, 18th Century Size: Height 28.5 C.M. / Width 7.7 C.M. Height i...

A graceful baluster form with a flared mouth, a rounded body, and a slightly raised foot. The vase features two intricate handles in the shape of animal figures holding large looped ...

Tibetan wooden Buddhist Mahakala mask (Shaman Exorcism Mask Yama God of Death) with stand. Age: Tibet, 19th Century Size: Height 33.8 C.M. / Width 25.5...

Burmese wooden tray. Age: Burma, Mandalay Period, 19th Century Size: Diameter 27 C.M. / Height 15.3 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall (some ex...

A large antique 18th Century Chinese Qing dynasty carved wooden figure statue of the Bohisattva Guanyin. This wonderful carved statue depicts Quanyin "The one who perceives the sound...