Chinese Tang Dynasty Mingqi of a Guardian Soldier

Object Description

A very fine hollow-moulded terracotta guardian soldier figure from the Chinese Tang Dynasty period. The figure is presented standing and with both hands holding what looks like a long sword inside its scabbard. The figure is wearing a military attire, comprising a helmet and a long cloak over his uniform. The rims of his garment, along with his thickened collar, are finely detailed in the terracotta. His facial features are minacious, with a deeply carved mouth, widened nostrils and raised eyebrows, thus to intimidate any offenders. The statuette features traces of the original white and red pigments, which would have been applied after firing.

Date: Circa 618-906 AD
Period: Tang Dynasty

Object History

The C. Roger Moss OBE collection. The late C. Roger Moss OBE was a renowned art collector who, throughout the years, thanks to his determination and enthusiasm, was able to create an outstanding collection of artworks, most prominently from China and the Orient, but also from other cultures.

Object Condition

Very fine, some earthly encrustations to the surface.

Object Details