Description
Han Dynasty Polychromed Pottery Drummer
Period Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
China
Pottery
Dimensions: 17.5 Inches Tall x 12.5 Inches wide X 10 Inches Deep
Condition: Very good original tomb condition. Doesn’t exhibit any breaks or repairs noticed. Flakes missing on right eyebrow and top right of drum. Losses of polychrome. Will clean up if washed but (not advised).
Comparisons on last two photos of a Christies sale and the Museum Of China.
This ceramic figure wears a headband with an ornamental design on his forehead, has a bare chest and belly, shrugs his shoulders and wears trousers with bare feet. He holds a flat drum in his left arm and a drumstick in his right hand, as if poised to beat the instrument. He laughs merrily in a humorous manner and with exaggerated movement, as if a living comedian is performing.
The comedians in the Han Dynasty primarily used humorous, farcical and satirical performance styles to entertain their masters and audiences. They usually attended upon their masters and performed improvisations by beating their drums while singing. It was popular among the royal family, aristocrats, the powerful and wealthy officials to raise comedians at that time, as evidenced by the following historical records. Emperor Wu of the Western Han was said to have been “attended upon by comedians all the time,” while Prime Minister Tian Fen was said to “appreciate comedians and craftsmen.” Huan Kuan’s Discourses on Salt and Iron: Luxurious Life Leading to Insufficiencies says that “the rich people worshiped famous mountains. During sacrificial ceremonies, people hammered oxen while the comedians beat drums and performed.” Diminutive performers with bare upper bodies and comical movements were often seen in the stone carvings of the Han Dynasty, accompanied by music, dance and acrobatics. Many ceramic figures with similar images have also been excavated from tombs of the Han Dynasty, which all reveal the popularity of comic performances at that time.
AVANTIQUES offers an exclusive, carefully curated collection of fine art, paintings, bronzes, Asian treasures, art glass, and antiques. Every piece in our inventory is selected for its enduring quality, blue chip investment value, and timeless decorative appeal. We deal exclusively in original antiques—never reproductions. Each item is thoroughly vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Should any piece not meet this standard, we stand behind our commitment with a full money-back return policy. We welcome your inquiry and invite reasonable offers. Thank you for considering AVANTIQUES.
