Large Chinese pottery archer soldier figure, Western Han, 206BC-8AD
$3,600.00 AUD
Large Chinese grey pottery figure of an archer, modelled standing with one arm raised, the other by his side, a quiver for arrows to his back, dressed in baggy trousers and tunic, his hair peaked to either side and grouped in a bun at the back.
Unusual impressed character mark to one flank,
Western Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 8 AD
46cm high (excluding stand)
Restorations appear to involve consolidating several cracks and re-sticking broken parts, such as hand and head. No replacements apparent, much original finish and pigments remaining.
Mounted on a clear perspex bespoke stand.
Similar figures can be seen in the Shanxi Museum.
Cataloguing has sometimes been a bit odd for these figures – ie ‘hand raised to hold a bow’ – it’s always the right hand, and would infer that only left-handed archers were allowed – clearly the raised hand is accessing the arrows in his quiver, the left hand would carry a bow held horizontally – ready to take the arrow he is reaching for, draw back & raise in one fluid motion, and then fire…..
Another is the ‘hat’ on his head – other figures show elaborate hairstyles and buns, so why not archers? It’s essential to keep your hair tucked away from interfering with the arrows in your quiver….
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