Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty Terracota Pottery Ghostly Figure

An ancient Chinese painted terra-cotta figure, dating to the Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 220 AD.

An ancient Chinese painted terracotta figure, dating to the Han Dynasty, 206 BC - 220 AD.

Likely depicting a member of the Han court, the flowing, linear silhouette produces a ghostly visual effect. The facial features have been reduced to the essence of form, with a narrow nose and dotted eyes.

In antiquity this piece would have reflected the elegance and orthodoxy of the Han court. Yet today, the ravages of time have caused this fascinating artefact to take on an altogether far different aesthetic; haunting, almost ghostly in its appearance, it appears as if a metaphor for the passing of time itself

Condition: Very good, unrestored, with widespread pigment preservation.

Height:9 7/8 inces