A Very Rare Molded Pottery 'figural' Appliqué
SUI DYNASTY (AD 581-619)
This molded pottery appliqué from the Sui Dynasty represents the sophisticated ceramic techniques developed during China's brief but culturally significant unification period. The figural form demonstrates the period's mastery of three dimensional ceramic modeling, likely serving a decorative or functional role on a larger vessel or architectural element. Such appliqués reflect the Sui Dynasty's continuation of Northern and Southern Chinese artistic traditions while establishing aesthetic foundations that would flourish under the subsequent Tang Dynasty.
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
LITERATURE S. G. Valenstein, Annette L. Juliano and Judith A. Lerner, "Hellenism in Sui and Tang China: Dionysiac Imagery on Mortuary Camels," Inner and Central Asian Art and Archaeology II: New Research on Central Asian, Buddhist and Far Eastern Art and Archaeology, 2019, Belgium, pp. 319-34. EXHIBITED New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on loan 2004-2006, no. L.2004.59. Conditions of sale Brought to you by Rufus Chen (陳嘉安) Head of Sale, AVP, Specialist Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this ASIANARTNY@CHRISTIES.COM +1 212 636 2180 VIEW CONDITION REPORT LOT ESSAY This fascinating appliqué is molded with a central male figure with a radiate nimbus flanked by two women. The male’s slouching posture, along with the rhyton and the wineskin scattered on the ground, suggests that this scene may represent a bacchanalia. While the identity of the central figure is uncertain, the scene draws upon Dionysian imagery from the Hellenistic period. The appliqué functioned as a saddle bag that would have adorned either side of a large pottery camel, such as an example with saddlebags molded with an identical scene in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. no. 2000.8).
🔨 Auction Lot
Important Chinese Art
March 26, 2026
Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000
Sold: $19,050
Lot 602
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