Lot #75: Large Chinese Polychrome Temple Figure Head with Export Seal | Circa 19th–Early 20th Century

Historical Context & Origin Region: China Material: Hand-modeled terracotta with mineral pigment and lacquer traces Period: Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic Period, circa late 19th – early 20th century Description This striking Chinese painted terracotta bust depicts a dignified court official wearing a traditional ceremonial hat, likely representing a scholar-official or temple attendant figure. The sculpture displays finely modeled facial features including softly arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, and delicately formed lips, conveying the calm and introspective expression typical of Chinese religious and court imagery. The figure wears a tall black ceremonial headdress with raised side panels, a form commonly associated with civil officials in Chinese visual culture. Such figures were often created for temple altars, ancestral shrines, or architectural niches where they served as attendants, guardians, or symbolic representations of authority and moral virtue. The surface retains traces of its original painted decoration, including black lacquer on the headdress and red pigment on the lips, while the face preserves a pale mineral slip typical of temple sculpture. Natural pigment loss and surface wear have produced a rich aged patina consistent with historic devotional use. The underside of the neck retains an early red wax export seal bearing the inscription “ANT. OUD.” This mark originates from the European antique trade, likely Dutch or Belgian, derived from the phrase Antiek Oud (“Antique / Old”). Such seals were commonly applied by European dealers or export houses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Asian antiquities entered Western collections. Mounted on a later custom wooden display base, the bust likely once formed part of a larger temple or architectural sculpture before being preserved as an independent artifact. Features - Hand-modeled terracotta sculpture - Remnants of original mineral pigments and lacquer - Traditional scholar-official style headdress - Expressive facial modeling with elongated ears - Aged surface with natural pigment loss and patination - Early European red wax export seal marked “ANT. OUD” - Mounted on a later custom wooden display base Cultural Significance Figures representing officials, scholars, and attendants were important elements within Chinese temple and shrine decoration. They symbolized moral authority, wisdom, and bureaucratic order within the cosmological hierarchy of traditional Chinese belief systems. Such sculptures often flanked larger deity figures or formed part of architectural shrine programs. The stylized hat and composed facial features evoke the scholarly class that played a central role in imperial Chinese society, where civil service officials were regarded as embodiments of education, governance, and moral virtue. Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. The sculpture shows significant surface wear and pigment loss, particularly across the headdress and facial surface. Minor chips, cracks, and areas of abrasion are present, typical of historic terracotta temple sculpture. The bust is mounted on a later custom wooden base for display. Age (Approximate) 115–175 years old Provenance From a private collection in San Francisco, California, USA, where the piece remained within the family for over 50 years. Subsequently held in a private collection in Los Angeles, California, USA. Acquired by the current owner in 2026. Dimensions: Width: 6.5 in x Depth: 7.5 in x Height: 12 in Pickup category timeslot {A} Price Estimate: CAD 600 - 1200 Ships from Toronto, ON. No local pickup. Buyer arranges shipping and insurance directly with seller after auction closes.