Page 141 - Sotheby's Asia Week March 2024 Chinee Art

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PROPERTY FROM THE BARBARA AND LESTER LEVY 唐 陶加彩仕女立俑
COLLECTION
A LARGE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A 來源：
COURT LADY, TANG DYNASTY 購於2005年之前
Height 25¾ in., 65.4 cm
本拍品經牛津熱釋光檢測編號C105x16，結果與其
PROVENANCE 斷代相符
Acquired prior to 2005.
Sensitively fashioned with a plump face, small heart-shaped
lips and the head elegantly tilted to one side, pottery figures
with such voluptuous features are attributed to the first
half of the 8th century, and in particular to the reign of
Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712-756). The plump features of
these figures, their long voluminous robes and flamboyant
hairstyles are believed to be representative of the aesthetic
trend led by the famous imperial concubine Yang Guifei
(719-756), beloved consort of the emperor. The figure’s
distinctive hairstyle, known as ‘zhuimaji (falling off the horse
bun)’, originated according to legend with the Emperor’s
fascination with Yang Guifei’s appearance after she fell
from a horse. Related Tang pottery ladies of this impressive
size are rare. See an example of this size, modeled in a
similar posture, from the collection of Frederick A. and
Sharon L. Klingenstein, sold by Eskenazi Ltd., London, and
later at Christie’s New York, 13th September 2019, lot 835;
and another sold in the same rooms, 16th September
1999, lot 286. Compare also a smaller figure of this type,
from a Japanese Private Collection, sold in these rooms,
11th September 2019, lot 523; and another from the Toguri
Collection, first sold in our London rooms, 9th June 2004,
lot 87, and later sold at Christie’s New York, 20th September
2013, lot 1255.
The dating of this lot is consistent with the results of Oxford
Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. C105x16.
$ 20,000-30,000

278 SOTHEBY’S COMPLETE CATALOGUING AVAILABLE AT SOTHEBYS.COM/N11410 279