A LARGE HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA GUARDSMAN
A LARGE HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA GUARDSMAN
Terracotta with original paining
China, early Western Han dynasty (3rd – 2nd BC)
From the tomb complex of the first Han emperor, Gaozu (206 – 195) or surrounding graves. They were created at the dawn of the Han dynasty, presumably around the end of the first Han-emperor Gaodi’s reign. The guardsman is standing wide in thorough footwear, wearing a peculiar skirt as well as a warm, soft collar and cap, and possibly held a heavy spear (The other hand also has an opening remaining from a (horizontal) attachment, but one can only speculate what it was. These appendages were crafted from wood which degraded over time. Nevertheless, this guardsman still wears very good remnants of the original paint coating - even the painted face (mouth, eyes, and eyebrows) is well-preserved. These guardsmen never cease to mesmerize with their eerie, loyal stare.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 43 CM
Condition: Optical appearance very good, well-preserved painting. Obviously, restored condition as these all these figures were put together when excavated.
Provenance: Galerie Zacke archive