Lot 1108. An unusual group of three painted pottery figures of court ladies, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907); 14 in. (35.5 cm.) high, the tallest. Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 62,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017 

Each figure has a full face modeled with delicate features below an elaborate coiffure, and wears long, heavy full-sleeved robes that fall in deep folds to the delicate shoes. All stand with body swayed to the side, two with the head slightly turned, and one holding a covered box. The third stands in a dramatic pose with one arm held across her body and head tilted upwards, and her robes are belted at the waist and below the hips. Each has traces of orangy-red and black pigments, and one has traces of light green pigment.. 

Provenance: The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, 29 October 1997.  

Note: These elegant ladies wear the latest fashion of the late Tang dynasty. Their full-bodied physiques reflect the aesthetic of the time, in emulation of Yang Guifei, favorite of the Tang emperor Xuanzong and renowned beauty of Chinese history. The great 8th-century poet Bai Juyi immortalized her ultimately tragic love story in his poem 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow'.

The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence tests no.s C97c44, C97c41, and C97c43 are consistent with the dating of this lot.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 - 15 September 2017, New York