Medium: Terracotta with Glaze

Dimensions: Length: 223mm; Width: 85mm

Condition: Good condition

Description:
Dating to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), this elaborate terracotta figure represents the Chinese zodiac animal snake, combining a cloaked human body with an animal head. Dressed in a courtly shenyi, the figure wears a dark blue robe with light blue accents on the sleeves, tied over a purple dress with long flaring sleeves. The hands are folded in front of the chest, exuding a composed and regal demeanor.

Beautifully glazed in turquoise and cobalt blue, the figure is an example of intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail. Chinese zodiac representations, such as this piece, often adorned the tombs of the elite, symbolizing protection and the passage of time. This piece reflects the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Ming era, where the zodiac, a 12-animal cycle tied to the lunar calendar, was integral to cultural and burial practices.

Provenance:

• Originated from a UK private collection of Asian art.
• Previously acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.

This rare and exquisitely detailed artifact offers a unique glimpse into the funerary customs and zodiacal symbolism of Ming Dynasty China.