Two Painted Grey Pottery Figures of Earth Spirits

NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY (386-534)

Details

Two Painted Grey Pottery Figures of Earth Spirits
Northern Wei dynasty (386-534)
Each superbly modeled seated with forelegs outstretched and back arched, a ridge of spines extending down the back, the humanoid figure with a horny head protuberance, large cup-shaped ears, bulging eyes, toothy grimace and flaring whiskers, the leonine beast with a mane, exaggerated eyes, furrowed nose, and an enormous mouth with protruding teeth and tongue
Each 11in. (27.9cm.) high, boxes (2)

Lot Essay

Earth spirits from the Northern Wei period are among the most imaginative and dynamic of pottery mingqi. Compare two earth spirits similar to the leonine beast, one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrated by S. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1975 ed., p. 48, no. 51; and one illustrated by V. Griessmaier ed., Sammlung Baron Eduard Von Der Heydt, Vienna, 1936, p. 104, no. 155.

The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. C102c51 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All