Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (224)

Very rare Tang Dynasty (618CE to 907CE) terra cotta wall tile depicting the face of a Zhemushou, a fierce guardian earth spirit meant to ward off evil. It is a trapezoidal shape with much of original red and black pigments intact. Some loss to the lower lip (please see enlargements). Lower W: 19cm/7.8in, upper W: 16cm/6.1in and H: 20cm/9in.

Wholesale offer: Seven Ming bowls, 6 are already listed on my site (#7365, #7338, #7337, #7328, #7327, #7326) descriptions and enlargements under each catalogue number. The 7th one is in the last two last enlargements- some kiln warpage but no cracks or chips D:13cm/5.1in and H: 6cm/3.2in.

Neolithic/Bronze Age reddish clay, pottery jar from an unknown culture. I acquired this in a group of Chinese Neolithic pottery pieces but I can’t find any references to this being Chinese. I tend to think this from Thailand or some other Southeast Asian culture. Low fired with very good near invisible restoration. If you know what this is, drop me a line and let me know. D: 12cm/4.7in and H: 8.5cm/3.6in.

Unusual grey pottery jar from the syncretic Buddhist Dali Kingdom circa 982CE–1253CE, which was located in present day Yunnan. The Dali State was not fully absorbed into the Chinese Empire until the Ming Dynasty, although it did accept Mongol control and were by and large allowed to manage their own affairs as long as they contributed soldiers. This jar has mysterious animal appliqued faces well as Buddhist images set against peepul tree leaves (Bodhi Tree)...

Impressive large standing wood sculpture of He Xiangu何仙姑- the only women in the pantheon of the Eight Chinese Immortals. This is at least Qing dynasty possibly earlier originally she would be holding a lotus in her hands. Once source describes her as being “the Patron Saint of Housewives”. Height: 97cm/38in and has a lovely benevolent expression. Condition as pictured, there is a dedication niche on back but the contents have been removed.

Very fine, unusually small Tang image of a courtier, excellent condition with complete original pigments. Lovely face with calm and dignified expression. H: 17cm/6.8in

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment (please note the belt in enlargements). Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 8.4cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a lady in waiting or courtesan, with elegant chignon. Traces of original pigment. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 10.2cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.