CHINESE HAN DYNASTY POLYCHROME BIRD

Ca. 202 BC - 220 AD. A polychrome terracotta bird on bronze legs is a stunning example of the period's artistic and technical achievements. The figure is hollow-moulded, with the bird standing on exquisitely crafted, lifelike legs that add to the realism of the piece. The colourful plumage is meticulously detailed, with a black tail and a red head featuring wide-open eyes and a cream-colored beak. The short neck is accentuated in orange, and the wings are green, adorned with striking red dots. This polychrome terracotta bird belongs to the category of Mingqi, objects that were buried with the deceased to serve them in the afterlife. Size: L:125mm / W:190mm ; 350g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.