Interesting Chinese Tang Dynasty style figure of a Central Asian (Sogdian) merchant depicted with a typical large beard, wearing a traditional conical cap and carrying a sack over his right shoulder. Surface of the figure has visible remnants of polychrome pigments. Depictions of Sogdians and other foreign ethnic groups are often found on Chinese pottery of this period as many merchants from the Near East as well as Central Asia travelled to China along the silk road.
In good condition with surface wear consistent with age and only some minor chips around the edges as per photographs. UV checked.
Height: 14 cm
References
Watson, William. Tang and Liao Ceramics. London: Thames and Hudson, 1984 – Figure 238 – Central Asian merchant with a pack on his back.
Bonhams – Asian Decorative Works of Art sale, 4 October 2017, lot 5068 – A painted pottery figure of a foreign merchant, Tang Dynasty
