HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA TOMB FIGURE

These polychromed statues were placed in the tombs of the emperor and high ranking officials, for use in the afterlife.  Most people have heard of or seen pictures of the army of life-sized terracotta soldiers unearthed in Xian, in the tomb of the first emperor of all of China,  Qin Shi Huang.  This is a smaller type.    25.5" (64cm) tall, including a 1" custom black base (not very visible in the picture).  There are restorations, which is the case with virtually all of these figures.  They broke extremely easily after burial.   The material and polychrome have patinated wonderfully.  The photo does not really do it justice.  This statue stood in my living room for many years.

$1800