Two rare painted pottery figures of earth spirits, zhenmushou, Tang dynasty (618-908)
Lot 22. Two rare painted pottery figures of earth spirits, zhenmushou, Tang dynasty (618-908); The largest, 20 in. (51 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 10,000 - GBP 20,000. Price realised GBP 10,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019
Each depicted seated, with fierce facial expressions, one with a long curled horn to the forehead, the other with bat-like ears and a tall crest, painted with details in tones of red, black, brown and gilt.
Provenance: Jacques Barret, Paris, France, late 1970s/early 1980s.
Edemar Cid Ferreira, São Paulo, Brazil.
Banco Santos Art Collection; sold Aloisio Cravo, Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil, 22 November 2016.
The results of Oxford Authentication Thermoluminescence Test numbers C119p84 and C119p85 are consistent with the dating of this lot.
Christie's. A South American Private Collection, London, 5 December 2019