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Lot 10
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD Chinese Han Dynasty, terracotta warrior figure. Interesting ceramic figurine of a standing warrior with armor, cross-over war-coat, layered tunic and boots, dressed hair and hands fisted as if gripping a weapon. During the Han Dynasty the Chinese ceramic industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain figurines became increasingly intricate. Figures of this type were particularly popular as status symbols depicting aspects of the upper echelons of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Good condition.Size: L:570mm / W:200mm ; 0.35kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 100
C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. Terracotta head of a court lady. This beautiful ceramic depicts the full face of a well-off court lady with delicate facial features modelled in careful detail and an extremely elaborate hairdo. Court attendants served an inportant role in the management of the imperial palace’s private quarters. During the Tang period service as a court attendant conveyed high status to the women who had served and increased their marriage prospects. Good condition.Size: L:210mm / W:100mm ; 1kg; Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
Lot 101
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted warrior attendant figure dressed and green and orange armour, with a tall conical helmet with a light coloured tassel, possibly meant to imitate horse hair. The warrior holds an object in his left hand. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:220mm / W:75mm ; 495g; Provenance: Important estate collection from Oxfordshire; formed in the 1970s-2000.
Lot 102
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted male attendant figure dressed in a light blue tunic, a dark blue overtunic which is belted with a light blue sash, and a tall dark-coloured hat. The attendant’s has a long blue object clutched to his chest. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:227mm / W:56mm ; 410g; Provenance: Important estate collection from Oxfordshire; formed in the 1970s-2000.
Lot 103
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted male attendant figure dressed in a dark green tunic with orange accents, black boots and a creme coloured brimmed connical hat. The attendant has what appears to be an item of baggage clutched to his chest. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:185mm / W:50mm ; 330g; Provenance: Important estate collection from Oxfordshire; formed in the 1970s-2000.
Lot 105
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted female attendant figure dressed in a dark over-dress with blue buttons, a dark blue dress with light blue cuffs cuffs, and creme coloured shoes. The attendant also sports an elaborate coiffure and carries a stringed instrument. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:230mm / W:90mm ; 455g; Provenance: Important estate collection from Oxfordshire; formed in the 1970s-2000.
Lot 106
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted male attendant figure dressed in a dark green tunic with orange accents, black boots and a creme coloured brimmed connical hat. The attendant has what appears to two bottles connected by a cord draped over his shoulders. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:173mm / W:50mm ; 260g; Provenance: From an old Oxfordshire collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 109
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A collection of five Indus valley ceramic vessels including (front, L-R): bottle with flaring rim, tapering neck, globular body and simple base; a shallow hemispherical bowl; and a bowl with a hemispherical base and in-turned rim (back, L-R): hemispherical bowl with a ring foot and repeating ibex motif in black paint; jar with a flaring neck, globular body and pedestalled foot. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which these ceramic vessels belong, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. Good condition.Size: L:Set of 5: 25 - 75mm / W:50 - 110mm ; 475g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
Lot 11
Ca. 618-907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty Ceramic ‘Fat Lady’ Figure. The figure stands facing forward, with one foot angled to the side, and a child cradled on her left arm. She wears long-sleeved, loose-hanging robes, and the court dress is embellished with delicately detailed upturned shoes. The original pigmentation is still visible on the figure’s face, dress, and hair. The facial features, such as the eyes, lips, nose, and eyebrows are picked out by delicate painting. An elaborate coiffure crowns the face of the ‘Fat Lady’. The so called ‘Fat Lady’ was a popular attendant figure among the wealthy as during the Tang dynasty luxurious tastes led to a change in the ideal feminine form, from thin to more buxom body types. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Good condition. Hand Repaired. Size: L:495mm / W:175mm ; 4.25kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 110
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A fine example of an Indus Valley civilisation painted bowl with a hemispherical body and a ring foot. The interior features aa repeating brown painted ibex motif, which can be distinguished by its magnificent curved horns, framed by concentric circular registers and chevrons. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. The ibex is an important motif in Indus valley art because of the animal’s reputation as a hardy survivor and fierce fighter. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition.Size: L:90mm / W:212mm ; 540g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 111
Ca. 1400-1200 BC. Canaanite. An unusual bronze age Canaanite painted ceramic vessel in a light brown fabric comprising a plane rim, narrow neck, globular body and ring foot. The shoulder is decorated with black painted leaf motif, which probably had connotations of agricultural fertility. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:158mm / W:153mm ; 635g; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
Lot 112
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A collection of five Indus valley ceramic vessels including (front, L-R): a jug with spout; a shallow bowl; and a jar with an out-turned rim and carinated body (back, L-R): a cylindrical bowl with slightly out-turned rim and ring foot; a globular jar with out-turned rim and tapering base. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which these ceramic vessels belong, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. Good condition.Size: L:Set of 5: 21 - 82mm / W:61 - 92mm ; 445g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 13
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD Chinese Han Dynasty, terracotta lady figure. Interesting ceramic figurine of a standing lady with a long red flowing gown, with billowing light colured trimmed sleeves and a dramatic, white trimmed flared skirt. The woman's face is intricately detailed with thin, arching eyebrows and small, pursed red lips. During the Han Dynasty the Chinese ceramic industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain figurines became increasingly intricate. Figures of this type were particularly popular as status symbols depicting aspects of the upper echelons of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Good condition.Size: L:730mm / W:320mm ; 9.3kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 17
C. 386-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty. A painted pottery figure of a horse. The horse stands foursquare with its head drawn inwards, and its tail lowered. Its coat is picked out in a beautiful deep red, reminiscent of the tones traditionally associated with wealth in Chinese society, while its mane is reserved the light tan colour The creature is decked out with a carefully-modelled strap-and-boss bridle, a prominent breastgirth ornamented with bells, and a long, tasselled saddle. The horse is the seventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents strength, energy and an outgoing nature. Indeed, some peoples including Mongolians and Manchurians, revere and worship the horse and its power. Ceramic figures such as this item would often have ritual functions, reflecting beliefs in the ability of the horse to provide assistance, luck and companionship. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD, and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, as this object exemplifies. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:400mm / W:295mm; 3.05kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 20
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD, Chinese Han Dynasty. Interesting ceramic figurine of a standing lady with a long red flowing gown, with billowing blue trimmed sleeves and a dramatic, white trimmed flared skirt. The woman's face is intricately detailed with thin, arching eyebrows and small, pursed red lips. During the Han Dynasty the Chinese ceramic industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain figurines became increasingly intricate. Figures of this type were particularly popular as status symbols depicting aspects of the upper echelons of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Good condition.Size: L:740mm / W:220mm ; 9.7kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 21
Ca. 618-907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. A ceramic ‘Fat Lady’ figure. The figure stands facing forward, with one foot angled to the side, and holding a dish in one hand. She wears long-sleeved, loose-hanging robes, and the court dress is embellished with delicately detailed upturned shoes. The original pigmentation is still visible on the figure’s face, dress, and hair. The facial features, such as the eyes, lips, nose, and eyebrows are picked out by delicate painting. An elaborate coiffure crowns the face of the ‘Fat Lady’. The so called ‘Fat Lady’ was a popular attendant figure among the wealthy as during the Tang dynasty luxurious tastes led to a change in the ideal feminine form, from thin to more buxom body types. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Good condition.Size: L:485mm / W:190mm ; 4.25kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 26
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A beautiful rare ceramic vase with a beige fabric and glossy brown slip. The vase comprises an elongated neck and an ovoid body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Several bands of incised direction run around the vessel and feature geometric patterns as well as depictions of dragons and other beasts; two applied taotie masks on the shoulder feature long tongues which also serve as handles. The taotie are mythological creatures commonly appearing in ancient Chinese art, where they are commonly associated with the Four Evils of the World, possibly suggesting that this vase was used for ritual purposes. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:550mm / W:290mm ; 7.45kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 28
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A beautiful rare ceramic vase with a beige fabric and glossy brown slip. The vase comprises an elongated neck and an ovoid body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Several bands of incised direction run around the vessel and feature geometric patterns as well as depictions of dragons and other beasts; two applied taotie masks on the shoulder feature long tongues which also serve as handles. The taotie are mythological creatures commonly appearing in ancient Chinese art, where they are commonly associated with the Four Evils of the World, possibly suggesting that this vase was used for ritual purposes. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:520mm / W:300mm ; 7.5kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 29
Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A large ceramic vase with a cream-coloured fabric. The vase comprises a flaring rim, cylindrical neck, curved, flaring shoulder, truncated conical body and flat base; two loop handles protrude from the top of the body. Black and red painted net decoration survives on the neck and geometric patterns, possibly representing drapery, are visible on the shoulder. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:300mm / W:320mm ; 2.2kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 32
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. An polychrome vessel with a globular body, flat base, tapering neck and short outward curving rim. The uppermost register features an intricate red, greend and black geometric pattern under which are situated a band of polychrome fish in the same colours. The middlemost register features a series of zebu bulls with characteristic hump and curving horns separated by birds all in a polychrome palette. Below the zebu is another geometric band underneath which is a polychrome pride of lions. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition; Size: L:560mm / W:400mm ; 12.9kg; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.
Lot 33
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. A large painted bowl with a hemispherical body and ring foot. The bowl, in a terracotta-colour fabric, is covered in a reddish-brown slip with black painted details. On the exterior are three concentric rings and a vertical column formed from geometric shapes and on the interior are four concentric registers of abstract linear decoration. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Good condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:125mm / W:380mm ; 2.2kg; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 34
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. An ochre-coloured vessel with a globular body, flat base, and short outward curving rim. The exterior features painted decoration in black, red and green depicting two zebu bulls with characteristic hump and curving horns. They are separated by stylised geometric vegetation and framed by a simple lower linear border and an upper panel of waved motifs. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition; Size: L:180mm / W:220mm ; 1.55g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 35
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A fine example of an polychrome Indus Valley civilisation pot, with globular body a flat, round ring base and a short, and a flat rim. This ochre-coloured vessel is decorated with a band of polychrome, curved vertical lines. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. Superb condition. Size: L:100mm / W:160mm ; 750g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 36
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A fine example of an Indus Valley civilisation pot, with globular body a flat, round base and a short, slightly outward flaring rim. This ochre-coloured vessel is decorated with a series of black, stylised vertical and horizontal lines in a repeating pattern. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. Superb condition.Size: L:75mm / W:120mm ; 590g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 4
C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. A large ceramic figurine of a Bactrian camel, also known as a Mongolian camel, with a rider. The beast features a sandy pelt, while its characteristic mane, beard and the air of its upper leg are picked out in a coral-red. It stands in a contrapposto pose, with its right leg foreleg forward, as if walking and its head is thrown back as if bellowing. Atop its back is a saddle-pad with carefully delineated details, including a lantern on the left-hand side. The rider is depicted with non-Asiatic features, wearing knee-high boots, and matching tight orange trousers and a long sleeved orange tunic. The foreigner is posed with a bottle half lifted as if about to drink. The Bactrian camel depicted with a European rider represents the link between Europe and Asia. It is an exceptionally hardy beast of burden, easily able to cope in the harsh deserts of Central Asia which border China. The domestication of these creatures allowed the development of the ancient Silk Road, which transported people, ideas and luxury goods between China and the West, by crossing the massive and inhospitable terrain which divided them. This beautiful figurine probably reflects medieval Chinese respect for a beast without which such trade would not have been possible. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:610mm / W:430mm ; 9.9kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 45
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley Civilisation. Cream-coloured pottery ram figure with painted black details, curved horns strong, expressive facial features and short, squat legs. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic figurine belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the ram’s importance in religious sacrifice. Excellent condition. Size: L:80mm / W:130mm; 760g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 46
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley. An creme-coloured ceramic figurine of a zebu with exaggerated crescent horns, painted with stripes on the horns, back and shoulders, and rondel eyes. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Excellent condition.Size: L:90mm / W:120mm ; 440g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Lot 48
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley. A lovely buff-coloured handmade fertility idol of characteristically abstract form with delineated legs, curved arms outstretched, voluptuous breasts situated beneath an incised pectoral collar, and broad shoulders. The highly stylized face presents with impressed circular eyes, a narrow nose, slender lips, and tall forehead topped with a neatly arranged coiffure. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. These fertility figures are common in the Indus Valley, and likely represent offerings to a deity in exchange for fertility and a healthy pregnancy. Good condition.Size: L:110mm / W:40mm ; 80g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 51
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. Ceramic horse and groom figurine. This figurine shows a groom, dressed in a dark blue tunic, with light blue trim, a light blue belt and light blue trousers, standing by a horse with one arm extended as if to hold the reins. The horse stands still, with blue mane falling over its neck, and its blue tail flicking over the hindquarters, as though swatting flies. The horse's equipment is modelled in high relief with the saddle and bridle painted dark blue, whilst the rest of the equipment is coloured shades of light blue. Horses were an important status symbol in ancient China. These animals were brought to China via the Silk Road and were considered a luxury good. As such horses were a sign of wealth among the elite, and there were strict laws which restricted the ownership of horses to people of elevated rank. In fact, soldiers serving in China's military had to provide their own mounts indicating that only the richest members of society could serve in the cavalry. This exceptionally well-preserved terracotta is part of a long tradition of horse statuettes in China, and in fact, the earliest known example of a stirrup, today a mainstay of equestrianism, was found on another Chinese statue of a horse from Hunan province, dated to AD 302 (see Cartier, M. 1993.Considerations sur l'histoire du harnachement et de l'Aquitation en Chine. Anthropozoologica, 18, 29-44). Good Condition.Size: L:160mm / W:185mm ; 780g; Provenance: From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 52
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted male attendant figure dressed a dark blue tunit with red side panels, light blue cuffs and a blue sash as well as black boots and a light coloured conical hat with a brim. The attendant holds an object, possibley a bottle or a scroll. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Excellent condition. Size: L:190mm / W:55mm; 275g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 53
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted female attendant figure dressed in a bright green dress with yellow cuffs, and a deep blue over-dress, and red shoes. The attendant also sports an elaborate coiffure and carries a teapot in one hand and what appears to be a mat over her right shoulder. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition.Size: L:235mm / W:75mm ; 920g; Provenance: From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 54
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. An elaborately crafted warrior attendant figure dressed in intricate light and dark blue armour, with a tall conical helmet with a light coloured tassel, possibly meant to imitate horse hair. The warrior holds a sword and is posed as if he is about to draw it from its scabbard. During the Ming Dynasty the Chinese art industry flourished and the production of ceramic and porcelain pieces increased exponentially. Figures of this type were particularly popular during the Ming artistic revival which placed great importance on depicting aspects of Chinese political and social life including warriors, servants and ladies of high status. Good condition. Size: L:230mm / W:80mm ; 1.2kg; Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
Lot 58
Ca. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. A ceramic, hollow molded dragon head. The dragon is depicted with its lips pulled back from its teeth snarling, and fangs bared, a short beard, triangular ears and three centred horns, one of which is longer and thinner than the others. Traces of the original pigment survive. Chinese Tang Dynasty. Dragons are a symbol of power, strength and good fortune in Chinese art. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. Good condition on custom stand.Size: L:280mm / W:130mm ; 1.8kg; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.
Lot 59
Ca.960-1279 AD. Chinese Song Dynasty. A rectangular, terracotta-coloured brick with a reclining musician within a recess; the figure’s hair is picked out in black and the rich drapery of his(?) robe is a deep red, a colour with connotations of wealth in Chinese culture. The Song Dynasty, which ruled most of China between 960 and 1279 AD, was responsible for many innovations, including the first banknotes (paper money), as well as in the fine arts, as this beautiful ceramic brick exemplifies. Excellent condition.Size: L:170mm / W:350mm ; 6.2kg; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.
Lot 82
C. 3rd millennium BC. Indus Valley. An creme-coloured ceramic figurine of a zebu with exaggerated crescent horns, painted with stripes to the horns, back and shoulders, and rondel eyes. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this figurine belongs, was in the 3rd millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Excellent condition. Size: L:95mm / W:130mm; ; 260g; Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 88
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A collection of five Indus valley ceramic vessels including (front, L-R): a jar with flaring mouth, constricted neck and cylindrical body; a hemispherical bowl with out-turned rim (back, L-R): a jar with an out-turned rim, constricted neck, globular body and pedestalled foot; a cylindrical bowl with a ring foot and black-painted gate motif and a small bowl with a spout. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which these ceramic vessels belong, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. Good condition. Size: L:Set of 5; 20mm/ 75mm / W:50mm/ 90mm ; 450g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Lot 89
Ca. 1400-1200 BC. Canaanite. An unusual bronze age Canaanite painted ceramic vessel in a terracotta fabric comprising an out-turned rim, constricted neck, flaring shoulder, globular body and round bottom. Two rings of black paint run around the lower part of the neck, while three concentric black circles on either side of the vessel create an ‘omphalos’ or navel pattern, usually associated with representations of the centre of the world in ancient art. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:105mm / W:85mm ; 310g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.
Lot 9
C. 386-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty. A painted pottery figure of a horse. The horse stands foursquare with its head drawn inwards, and its tail lowered. Its coat is picked out in a beautiful creme, while the trappings are highlighted in shades of oragne. The creature is decked out with a carefully-modelled strap-and-boss bridle, a prominent breastgirth ornamented with bells, and a long, tasselled saddle. The horse is the seventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents strength, energy and an outgoing nature. Indeed, some peoples including Mongolians and Manchurians, revere and worship the horse and its power. Ceramic figures such as this item would often have ritual functions, reflecting beliefs in the ability of the horse to provide assistance, luck and companionship. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD, and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, as this object exemplifies. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:410mm / W:330mm ; 3.4kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 90
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A fine example of an Indus Valley civilisation painted bowl with a hemispherical body and a ring foot in a buff fabric. The interior features aa repeating painted swastika and ibex motif – the ibex can be distinguished by its magnificent curved horns, framed by concentric circular registers and chevrons. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. The ibex is an important motif in Indus valley art because of the animal’s reputation as a hardy survivor and fierce fighter. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition.Size: L:75mm / W:240mm ; 690g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market formed in the 1990s;
Lot 91
C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A collection of five Indus valley ceramic vessels including (front, L-R): hemispherical bowl; jar with cylindrical neck and carinated body (back, L-R): goblet with an out-turned rim, carinated body and pedestalled base, featuring painted line and dot motifs; a jar with an out-turned rim, constricted neck and piriform body; and a jar with an out-turned rim, constricted neck and globular body. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which these ceramic vessels belong, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. Good condition.Size: L:Set of 5; 55mm/ 60mm / W:40mm/ 90mm ; 365g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
Lot 92
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. A beautifully crafted pair of ochre-coloured glazed terracotta ceramic rams. The wool of the two rams is detailed by a series of elliptical impressions meant to imitate the curls in natural wool, whilst the horns are gently spiralled and coloured green. The facial features including the eyes, nostrils and mouth are carefully, if shallowly molded. The cloven hooves are similarly detailed and coloured with black pigment. The sheep or ram is the eighth of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and is regarded as an auspicious animal which is peace-loving, kind, helpful, and trusting, but of a nature resistant to change. Excellent condition.Size: L:Set of 2; 140mm / W:110mm ; 695g; Provenance: From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 93
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Chinese Ming Dynasty. Ceramic. This figurine shows a groom, dressed in a dark blue tunic, with light blue trim, a light blue belt and light blue trousers, standing by a horse with one arm extended as if to hold the reins. The horse stands still, with mane falling over its neck, and its tail flicking over the hindquarters, as though swatting flies. The horse's equipment is modelled in high relief with the saddle painted dark blue, whilst the rest of the equipment is coloured shades of light blue. Horses were an important status symbol in ancient China. These animals were brought to China via the Silk Road and were considered a luxury good. As such horses were a sign of wealth among the elite, and there were strict laws which restricted the ownership of horses to people of elevated rank. In fact, soldiers serving in China’s military had to provide their own mounts indicating that only the richest members of society could serve in the cavalry. This exceptionally well-preserved terracotta is part of a long tradition of horse statuettes in China, and in fact, the earliest known example of a stirrup, today a mainstay of equestrianism, was found on another Chinese statue of a horse from Hunan province, dated to AD 302 (see Cartier, M. 1993.‘Considérations sur l'histoire du harnachement et de l'équitation en Chine.’ Anthropozoologica, 18, 29-44). Excellent condition.Size: L:160mm / W:195mm ; 835g; Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
Lot 98
Ca.960-1279 AD. Chinese Song Dynasty. A buff-coloured, rectangular brick with a dancer depicted in high relief. The dancer, with turned head, crossed arms, and legs akimbo as if in mid-step, wears an elaborate tri-corn headpiece, long gown, trousers and boots. The Song Dynasty, which ruled most of China between 960 and 1279 AD, was responsible for many innovations, including the first banknotes (paper money), as well as in the fine arts, as this beautiful ceramic brick exemplifies. Excellent condition.Size: L:350mm / W:190mm ; 4kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s;
Lot 99
Ca.960-1279 AD. Chinese Song Dynasty. A cream-coloured, rectangular brick with an attendant figure depicted in high relief. The attendant, looks left, with his hands clasped in front of him. He wears the traditional black cylindrical hat of Chinese courtiers (hanfu), a heavy red gown and a yellow medallioned belt. Possibly originally part of larger composition of multiple bricks, including additional attendants and a ruler. The Song Dynasty, which ruled most of China between 960 and 1279 AD, was responsible for many innovations, including the first banknotes (paper money), as well as in the fine arts, as this beautiful ceramic brick exemplifies. Excellent condition.Size: L:395mm / W:120mm ; 2.27kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 2375
A Pair of George V Silver-Mounted Ceramic Trivets, by Charles Turman Burrows, Birmingham 1910, each square and on cast foliage feet, the tiles painted in the 17th century style, with figures on horseback, 14cm square. Each marked on side, the marks are generally clear. The silver mounts in generally good condition, though one rocks slightly when placed on flat surface. There is a noticeable crack to one tile, running the full length through the figure. The other tile with smaller cracks.
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