Chinese Han Dynasty Terracotta Guardian Figure

East Asia, China, West Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 8 CE. A large, hand-built terracotta human figure with lengthy, delineated legs. The figure stands nude with male genitalia beneath a slender torso and features lightly rounded pectoral muscles, recessed mortises for articulated arms, and a slender neck. The bulbous head features almond-shaped eyes, a petite nose, full lips, and tall ears, all beneath a centrally parted coiffure that is drawn into a bun on the verso. The red-orange slip pigment imbues the figure with a fleshy presentation, and the nude nature suggests the legs, body, and original wooden arms were covered in additional textile clothing or armor at one time. Size: 3.65" W x 23.875" H (9.3 cm x 60.6 cm)

This figure is of the type from Yangling. Yangling Mausoleum was constructed near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in central eastern China, which during the Zhou, Qin, Western Han, and Tang dynasties was the eastern end of the Silk Road and home to their ruling houses. The Han Dynasty was a period of wealth and stability for China, and the burial places of their rulers reflected this prosperity. Yangling consisted of two massive burial mounds and contained more than 50,000 miniature terracotta figures who reflected the daily life of the Emperor's court, including warriors clad in full armor, like this figure probably was, servants, eunuchs, animals, and models of important buildings like granaries. The creation of all these pottery figures spawned a huge industry and the remains of workshops have also been found near the burial mounds.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in December 2012; ex-St. Johns Art & Antiques, Vancouver, Washington, USA

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#151890
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple pieces with heavy restoration to feet, legs, body, and head, with resurfacing and overpainting over most surfaces, new material, and break lines. Original arms and clothing missing. Nicks and abrasions to legs, body, and head, with fading to areas of original pigment, softening to some facial details, and light encrustations. Nice traces of original pigment and light root marks throughout.