Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 2
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 3
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 4
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 5
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 6
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 7
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 8
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 2
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 3
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 4
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 5
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 6
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 7
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 8
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man
Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 2 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 3 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 4 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 5 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 6 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 7 Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man, view 8

Han Dynasty Chinese Pottery Head of a Man

17662

$795
/
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Circa 206 BC – AD 220

A finely modeled earthenware head of a man from a Chinese tomb figure (mingqi), created as a burial good for a high-status individual during the Han Dynasty. The face is sensitively rendered with a rounded cranium, a strong straight nose, defined ears, and softly modeled lips. The surface has weathered to the bare ceramic, with earthy burial encrustation and the warm grey-buff tone characteristic of ancient interred pottery — a quiet, sculptural presence that reads beautifully on a shelf, desk, or in a cabinet of antiquities.

During the Han Dynasty, hundreds of pottery figures were placed in elite tombs to recreate the world of the deceased, spawning a vast workshop industry across China. Modeled human heads such as this survive as evocative fragments of that funerary tradition.

Dimensions: 4¼ in. (10.8 cm) high; 6 in. (15.2 cm) high on later wood block base

Condition: Head fragment as shown; surface erosion and burial deposits consistent with age; mounted on a nice cherry color custom wood base.

The head retains a rich layer of old collection history, including an inked accession number "70.218" on both the head and its base, paper inventory labels numbered "359" and "101," a painted "CHINA" notation, and a red Chinese seal/dealer label to the underside — the kind of accumulated markings consistent with a long-held early collection. Acquired from the estate of a US Doctor. 

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. Insurance is available on request. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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