Object Description
A fine Chinese Ming Dynasty hollow-moulded terracotta court attendant, situated upon a rectangular base. The figure is clothed in the traditional attire of the Ming Dynasty court, consisting of a deep blue-purple robe tied at the waist and a shawl draped over the shoulders. The left arm rests at the figure’s side, whilst the right holds a crescent-shaped offering to the chest. A rich turquoise glaze features to the shawl, waist-tie and offering. Dark pigment outlines the eyes and brows, whilst an orange-red pigment lines the lips and centre of the ears. The hair is arranged in a stylised, tricorn updo, detailed with dark pigment and linear incisions, and adorned with a crescent orange band. There is a small, circular perforation in the centre of either ear and beneath the base. Earthy encrustations and wear feature to the surface and pigment, otherwise the statuette is in good condition.
Date: Circa 1368-1644 AD
Period: Ming Dynasty