A huge,decorativeancient Chinese Tang dynasty terracotta guardian soldier figure (zhenmuyong), dating to 618 – 907 AD.
Standing on an integral plinth, wearing an ornate breastplate beneath long robes with sleeves that flow down to the legs. The hands are held clasped together in a traditional sign of respect, whilst the face is modelled with an intense stare; the eyes wide, nostrils flared and prominent cheekbones.
This is a very large example of a zhenmuyong from a renowned collection, it is also an honest piece, with none of the deceptive restoration that plagues the market in these items.
The zhenmuyong appear in Chinese funerary art to protect their deceased master. Clearly modelled on the appearance of contemporary soldiers, they were placed with depictions of mythical beasts to serve as an insurmountable barrier for any evil spirits attempting to access the tomb. It is interesting to note the bird headed hat on this figure, depictions of bird hats are occasionally encountered in Tang art and appear to have been reserved for use only by high-ranking military officials and generals.
Height: 31 inches.
Weight: 8.20 kg
Condition: Reattached at head, lower legsand waist. Possible further minor resotrations. Overall very good condition for a genuine Tang figure of this size.
Provenance:
Formerly in the collection of Mr. M. O\'Hara (the full name and a picture of Mr. O\'Hara will be provided to the new purchaser upon request).
Mr. O\'Hara was a prominent numismatist, author and collector who in later life developed a passion for Chinese terracotta art of the Han - Song period. He sought only the finest examples of their type, buying at a time in the late 1980s when examples without widespread deceptive restorations could still be acquired. ArtAncient purchased the entire collection directly from his heirs and is now honoured to present these items to the market after nearly 35 years.
Please note: This is agenuine ancient Chinese artefact. This piece is offered for sale with a very low reserve to promote our extensive inventory of fine quality antiquities and ancient coins, which you will find at the following link: items are unconditionally guaranteed to be Authentic as described. For added security we offer a full money-back guarantee if a recognized authority disputes the authenticity of any object sold. We send paper invoices incorporating a signed certificate of authenticity and photograph of the item.Shipping
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