A PAIR OF PAINTED GRAY POTTERY FIGURES OF A PIG AND SOW, HAN DYNASTY

拍品描述

A PAIR OF PAINTED GRAY POTTERY FIGURES OF A PIG AND SOW, HAN DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by QED Laboratoire, Aix-en-Provence, on 23 September 2014, reference no. QED1438/BC-0115, sets the firing date of all four samples taken (two from each pig) between 1500 and 2000 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. Expert’s note: The present pair of pig figures, originally featuring carved wooden tails that have decayed over time, is a rare example of male and female representations within Han dynasty mingqi. While pigs are a well-known motif in Han funerary sculpture, the survival of a male and female pair is uncommon, making this set a distinctive example. China, 206 BC-220 AD. Each superbly and realistically modeled standing foursquare with the head facing forward, well detailed with almond-shaped eyes, prominent snout, large floppy ears and covered overall in black pigment. The sow rendered with a low full belly with nipples. (2) Dimensions: Length 52 cm and 49 cm Depictions of domestic animals such as horses, dogs, sheep, pigs and ducks are a characteristic feature of Han dynasty pottery. The pig is one of the most important animals in the Chinese economy, where ownership of a pig was a sign of wealth, rightly earning the pig its position as one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese character for family (jia) depicts a pig under a roof. Thus, its symbolic meaning is restricted to the important role it plays as a sign of general prosperity, wealth and overall good fortune. Literature comparison: A group of pottery pigs was excavated from the Han Yangling, the mausoleum of Emperor Jin (r. 57-141 BC) of the Western Han dynasty located in Xianyang, Shaanxi province. Compare a related painted terracotta pig and sow unearthed from Pit 13 to the east of the emperor’s tomb, length 44 cm and 41 cm, nos. 26 and 27, illustrated in the Han Yangling Museum booklet. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1441 Price: USD 22,500 or approx. EUR 29,000 (for one) converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling with similar pose and details. Note the related size (45.8 cm).

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