{"product_id":"large-chinese-han-dynasty-grey-pottery-dancer-figure-ancient-mingqi-tomb-sculpture-27-5-cm","title":"Large Chinese Han Dynasty Grey Pottery Dancer Figure, Ancient Mingqi Tomb Sculpture, 27.5 cm","description":"A large and evocative Chinese grey pottery dancer figure, made in the tradition of Han dynasty mingqi tomb sculpture, probably dating to the Western Han dynasty, around the 2nd century BC. The figure is shown in a graceful dancing pose, with the torso gently curved, one arm raised high and the other lowered forward. This expressive movement is closely connected with the famous Han dynasty image of the sleeve dancer, a courtly and ritual subject associated with music, ceremony and the afterlife.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe figure has a strong visual presence. At 27.5 cm high and weighing 1294 grams, it is a substantial object with real sculptural weight and authority. The dense grey earthenware body, pale surviving surface layers, mineral accretions and naturally aged texture are consistent with Chinese archaeological tomb pottery. The soft modelling of the face, elongated body and robe-like lower section correspond well with known museum examples of Han dynasty dancer and entertainer figures.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA particularly close museum parallel is the Female Dancer in the Art Institute of Chicago, attributed to China, Western Han dynasty, about the 2nd century BC, made of grey earthenware with slip coating and polychrome pigments. The Chicago figure preserves more of its original colour, while the present example shows the same essential type with most of the original pigment now lost through age and burial wear. The raised arm, restrained face, grey pottery body and flowing robe-like base make the comparison especially relevant.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThese figures formed part of the mingqi tradition: objects placed in tombs to symbolically accompany the deceased in the next world. Unlike simple attendant figures, dancer figures have a special poetic quality, combining movement, ceremony and the refined culture of early imperial China.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFull scientific certainty with ancient pottery can only be provided by thermoluminescence testing. However, based on the material, surface, form, gesture and close comparison with Han dynasty examples, the probability of this being a Han dynasty Chinese tomb figure is approximately 90%.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition is consistent with ancient archaeological pottery, with surface wear, rubbing, losses to the original surface layer, small chips and age-related accretions. The main form remains stable, readable and visually powerful.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: 27.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nDepth: 6 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 1294 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62884095295818,"sku":"B1725","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.8064666921_5nrx.jpg?v=1785910737","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/large-chinese-han-dynasty-grey-pottery-dancer-figure-ancient-mingqi-tomb-sculpture-27-5-cm","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}