#11354 • Ming Dynasty (12) Terracotta Zodiac Tomb Figures

Part of Nguyen Phuc Ung Ai Royal Family Auction (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: No sale

Est. $50,000-$55,000 Ming Dynasty Complete (12) Piece Terracotta Zodiac Tomb Figure Collection W/Thermoluminecence Report -Each of these (12) tomb figures each brandish a different animal from the zodiac. The terracotta statues each hold a different animal and are dressed in long gowns with long sleeves, their hands folded in front of their chests caressing one of the twelve celestial animals of the zodiac. They are extremely detailed and beautifully glazed in turqoise and cobalt blue colors, a superior feature not often found on these works of art and representative of an important tomb which deserved highest quality pottery representations. The figures are also highlighted in red and white cold painted pigments, and most of the original colors remain intact. The zodiac figures were often placed in a north-south direction in coffin chambers to represent the progress of time. People hoped that such an arrangement would encourage the god to time to guard the tomb. The twelve Zodiacs are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig or boar. These correspond to the twelve earthly branches and are infrequently found in wealthy tombs of the elite and wealthy ancient Ming Chinese. Condition: Superb, all figures are original and intact with finely preserved glazes and pigments. The set will come with a Thermoluminecence Report from Laboratory Kotalla, dating the pieces to be approx. 520 years old.