How do I date an old figure?

Dating relies on the combination of clay body, glaze type and stylistic conventions associated with specific periods like the Tang or Qing Dynasties. Examination of the unglazed areas of the foot or base often reveals the age of the material. Changes in palette and moulding techniques across centuries help narrow down the likely era of production.

Were these figures meant for display?

Many early pieces, such as Han and Tang figures, served as tomb furniture placed underground to serve the deceased. Later ceramics from the Qing period onwards were made for domestic display, scholarly desks and temple interiors. Both funerary and decorative pieces share a high level of sculptural ambition.

How should I clean my sculpture?

Dusting with a soft, dry brush is sufficient for most glazed and unglazed ceramic surfaces. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, particularly on pieces with delicate low-temperature pigments or friable terracotta. Keeping the piece away from direct sunlight preserves surface colours over time.

What is the difference between earthenware and porcelain?

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures, producing a porous, opaque body that is often painted with pigments or coated in lead glaze. Porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures using kaolin clay, resulting in a vitrified, non-porous white body. Porcelain figures usually show greater resistance to wear and feature refined glaze finishes.

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Chinese Ceramic Sculpture

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A Chinese ceramic sculpture brings centuries of ritual, courtly taste and kiln craft straight into a room through figures of animals, immortals and attendants.

19th century

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Large Shiwan Yellow-glazed Hotei Figure Vase, Late 19th Century

From Ritas Bazaar

£300

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

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

Pre 16th century

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

From Original Retro

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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Pair of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Porcelain Goats, Qing Dynasty, Early 19th Century

From Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

£3,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

19th century

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Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

From Philip Carrol Antiques

£380

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Study of a Seated Ape Dating to the Early Part of the 20th Century

1900 - 1920

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Chinese Turquoise Glazed Study of a Seated Ape Dating to the Early Part of the 20th Century

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Famille Rose Pheasant, Circa 1880, 56cm

19th century

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Chinese Famille Rose Pheasant, Circa 1880, 56cm

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£4,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Ming Dynasty Attendant Figure (1368-1644)

17th century

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Ming Dynasty Attendant Figure (1368-1644)

From Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art

£685

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

19th century

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Chinese Antique Figure of an Immortal

From Millers Antiques

£250

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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A Late 19th Century Chinese Shiwan Pottery Tiger Circa 1880

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£1,195

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

18th century

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Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

From Artsonline

£1,050

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

The listings here span terracotta, earthenware, porcelain and stoneware, covering periods from ancient dynasties through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

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Chinese Ceramic Sculpture

Large Shiwan Yellow-glazed Hotei Figure Vase, Late 19th Century

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

Pair of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Porcelain Goats, Qing Dynasty, Early 19th Century

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Study of a Seated Ape Dating to the Early Part of the 20th Century

Chinese Famille Rose Pheasant, Circa 1880, 56cm

Ming Dynasty Attendant Figure (1368-1644)

Chinese Antique Figure of an Immortal

A Late 19th Century Chinese Shiwan Pottery Tiger Circa 1880

Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

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