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ID #SA762876
FOR SALE
£550
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Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)
For sale by Original Retro
for sale €644     $699
£550

Original Retro

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2011
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Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)

Pre 16th century
For Sale by Original Retro
Description

Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)

This is a straw glazed tomb attendant from the short lived Chinese Sui dynasty (581-618)

The tomb figure or Mingqui depicts an servant and is made from moulded earthenware and was straw glazed.

The figure is wearing a long robe and head covering in his hands he is holding a vessel tight to its chest.

The figure is in a very good condition and has no cracks or restoration only some glaze wear due to its age.

Measurements: Height; approx. 20cm - Width approx. 7cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
7cm (2.76")
Depth
4.5cm (1.77")
Declaration

Original Retro has dated this Sui Dynasty Pottery Figure to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA762876
Dealers Notes

Valley Antique Centre

Hollins Mill

Suite 5 Unit 8

Pennine Industrial Park

Valley Road

Hebden Bridge

HX7 7BZ

(0044) 01422 887420 or (0044) 07780 687139

Openings Times:

Every day from 10 pm - 16.00 am

Description
Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)

This is a straw glazed tomb attendant from the short lived Chinese Sui dynasty (581-618)

“
The tomb figure or Mingqui depicts an servant and is made from moulded earthenware and was straw glazed.
Original Retro
fig 1. A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments.
fig 1. Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)

The figure is wearing a long robe and head covering in his hands he is holding a vessel tight to its chest.

The figure is in a very good condition and has no cracks or restoration only some glaze wear due to its age.

Measurements: Height; approx. 20cm - Width approx. 7cm

Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
7cm (2.76")
Depth
4.5cm (1.77")
Date of Manufacture

Original Retro has dated this Sui Dynasty Pottery Figure to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA762876
Original Retro
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2011
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Original Retro Profile Page

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A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments.
1 / 8
Archive I A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments.

Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)

Archive II A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View II
Archive III A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View III
Archive IV A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View IV
Archive V A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View V
Archive VI A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View VI
Archive VII A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View VII
Archive VIII A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View

Original Retro
Telephone 01422 887420 or 07780 687139
Location
Valley Antique Centre
Suite 5 Unit 8
Pennine Industrial Park
Valley Road
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
HX7 7BZ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/originalretro
Verified Since Jul 2011
Items For Sale 100
Items Sold 5
Original Retro
Verified Since Jul 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Valley Antique Centre, Suite 5 Unit 8, Pennine Industrial Park, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7BZ, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/originalretro
Verified
Jul 2011
For Sale
100
Sold
5
A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments.
Ancient Northern Chinese Tomb Attendant or Mingqui Sui Dynasty (581-618)
Ref: SA762876
A standing Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure featuring draped robes, a tall headpiece, folded hands, and traces of original surface pigments.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • PeriodPre 16th century
  • StyleSui Dynasty
  • MaterialEarthenware, Terracotta, Pigment
  • ColourEarthy Grey
  • MotifsClasped hands, Flowing robes, Tall headpiece, Traces of pigment
  • SizeH 20 cm (8 in) x W 7 cm (3 in) x D 4.5 cm (2 in)

This Sui Dynasty earthenware tomb attendant figure from the period 581-618 depicts a standing servant rendered in a straw-glazed style. The terracotta sculpture presents an earthy grey palette with visible traces of original surface pigments, along with natural glaze wear resulting from age. The figure wears long, flowing draped robes and a tall rounded headpiece, holding a small vessel tightly against the chest with clasped hands. The piece stands on a flat wooden surface. Measuring 20 cm high, 7 cm wide, and 4.5 cm deep, this diminutive antique object fits easily on a bookshelf or within a gentleman's library display case for daily appreciation.

FAQs

Mingqi are Chinese burial goods created to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, serving as attendants, guardians, or domestic items. During the Sui Dynasty (581618 AD), these ceramic figures represented a stylistic transition towards the refined sculptured aesthetics later seen in the Tang Dynasty.

These figures were typically moulded from grey or buff earthenware clay, fired at low temperatures, and decorated with slip, pigments, or straw-coloured glazes. Traces of hand-painted pigments were often applied post-firing to delineate facial features and garments.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit characteristic signs of subterranean burial, including earth encrustation, pigment degradation, and subtle mineral deposits. Scientific testing methods, such as Thermoluminescence (TL) testing, are commonly employed to confirm the firing age of the ceramic material.

Displaying the sculpture on a minimalist console table, an illuminated bookshelf, or within a glass vitrine creates a focused historical focal point. Pairing dark, aged earthenware with neutral linen textures, natural timber, or muted lighting highlights its historic texture.

Dust the surface lightly using a soft, dry natural-bristle brush, avoiding any liquids or chemical cleaners that could dissolve remaining cold-painted pigments. Keep the figure in a stable environment away from high humidity, direct sunlight, and physical vibration.
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