A LARGE AND FINE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF TIANGUAN, THE HEAVEN OFFICIAL

Description:

China, Ming dynasty
H. 72 (64) cm
Seated in European fashion on a bench decorated with four curved legs placed on a shaped pedestal, both hands clasped in front of the abdomen originally holding a tablet, wearing various garments including an under-skirt and a wide-sleeved mantle falling down his body and legs, both decorated with an array of different musters, pair of shoes, his dark red-lacquered face displaying a serene expression with slit eyes below arched eyebrows that run into his nose-bridge, finely executed lips, whiskers, mustache and beard formed of long hair tresses framing his face, his head covered with a separate cast official hat decorated with swaying tassels, topped with a pair of medallions placed on cloud-motifs and each ornamented with a character for sun and moon.
Old and important North German private collection, assembled in before 1920, by descent to a family member - Minor traces of age, slightly chipped and wear, minor repair