East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A charming pair of pottery acrobats of athletic form, each in an accentuated pose and adorned in white and yellow pigments. The first figure is shown with legs spread and arms angled to his right, as though he is possibly spotting another performer. Alternatively, the second is depicted in mid-stride with right leg stepping forward and both arms falling parallel to his body from square shoulders. Both figures feature open, cupped hands and minimalistic visages of slender eyes, small noses, full lips, and prominent ears, all topped by coiffures that flare upwards towards the front of the head. Size (of largest): 3.125" W x 5.125" H (7.9 cm x 13 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s; ex-private French collection
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#164174
Condition
Smaller has repair to proper right arm with break line visible. Larger is intact. Both have light abrasions and fading to pigment. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits.