Ancient Chinese

This majestic wooden sculpture depicts a dignitary, probably a high-ranking official or religious figure, typical of the Chinese artistic tradition during the Ming Dynasty. The piece, 120 cm high, stands out for the richness of its carved details and the presence of traces of polychromy, which reflect the refinement and symbolism of the period. The dignitary is depicted in a seated position, denoting authority and serenity. His clothing, which shows traces of red paint and gold details, suggests a high status in the social or religious hierarchy. The tall, stylized hat is a significant element, characteristic of Chinese imperial officials, reinforcing the identity of the portrayed person as a character of high rank. The left hand holds a gourd-shaped object, probably a hu, an emblem associated with wisdom, longevity and protection in Chinese symbology. The technique used, based on direct wood carving, demonstrates the high level of skill of Chinese craftsmen of the Ming period. Although the details have suffered from the wear and tear of time, the polychromy still visible allows us to glimpse the original splendor of the work. This use of bright colors and decorative motifs reflects the influence of Confucian and Buddhist beliefs, where sculptures served both as objects of veneration and symbols of divine and earthly hierarchy. The 16th century was a time of great cultural prosperity in China, when the arts flourished thanks to the support of the Ming court. Wood was a common material for sculptures of this type, especially for those destined for temples or shrines. Given the solemn and symbolic nature of the piece, it seems likely that it came from a Buddhist temple, where it would have had a prominent role as an object of worship or as a representation of a spiritual protector. During the Ming dynasty, polychrome wooden sculptures acquired significant importance, reflecting the religious beliefs and hierarchical structure of Chinese society. Figures of dignitaries or sacred figures were often placed in temples or ancestral halls, where they acted as intermediaries between humans and gods or ancestral spirits. The detailed depiction of the attire and personal attributes (such as the object carried) underlines the importance of visual codes in the Ming Dynasty. Each element was not only decorative, but conveyed a message about the rank, virtues and responsibilities of the individual represented. Although the state of preservation is excellent, the remains of polychromy could be further analyzed to determine the original pigments and techniques used. Likewise, the hypothesis that it comes from a Buddhist temple seems consistent with the symbolism of the sculpture and its typology, but it would be interesting to confirm this provenance through historical or documentary studies. In short, this sculpture is a remarkable example of Ming Dynasty art, combining outstanding technical skill with a deep symbolic and cultural charge, typical of one of the most brilliant periods in Chinese artistic history. Acquired from a French private collection, F.D.B in the 70's. -The piece includes an authenticity certificate. The piece is in the process of obtaining its renewal Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union). This process can take between 2 and 4 weeks. IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %. Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping for the weight and the volume of the artefact.

Estimación:€20,000

Ver todos los artículos deCatawikioArte Antiguo