A wonderful and rare pair of ancient Chinese Northern Zhou, polychrome terracotta figures, dating to approximately 557 - 581 AD.
The flat-backed warriors shown standing tall with legs set apart, they both wear close fitting helmets and clutch oblong shields to their chests, their left hands pierced, perhaps to hold spears or other implements in antiquity. The colours are vibrant and typical of the period.
These extremely rare pieces date to China's Northern Zhou dynasty, a short dynasty formed in 557 AD. after the split of the Northern Wei and eventual demise of the Western Wei that followed. The dynasty lasted only 24 years following the incompetent rule of Emperor Xuan. Northern Zhou terracottas are seldom encountered on the Art Market. They are characterized by stocky, high-fired grey earthenware with vibrant polychrome decoration and pink fleshy tones. Comparea Northern Zhou terracotta excavated at Emperor Wu's Mausolium, Xianyang, Shaanxi province and another pair from the tomb of Li Xian.
Previously in the stock of a major London dealer and acquired over 20 years ago on the London Market. The previous owner had acquired a considerable and varied collection of Chinese terracottas over many years, with a small collection of Northern Wei terracottas constituting some of the rares pieces in his entire inventory.
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