Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Dancing Court Lady Figure, 13"

Details

Description

Carved wooden figure of a dancing court lady, China, early 20th century, likely dating to the 1920s. The figure is … Read more Carved wooden figure of a dancing court lady, China, early 20th century, likely dating to the 1920s. The figure is modeled in a traditional Tang Dynasty–inspired dance pose, with one arm raised and the body subtly turned to suggest movement.

The figure retains original polychrome decoration in blue, pale gold-apricot, soft pink, and gilt. The blue pigment is consistent with mineral-based color derived from lapis stone, a material historically used in Chinese sculpture. Gilt remains visible at the shoes, belt, and hair ornament.

Her facial features reflect Tang dynasty aesthetic preferences, with a full, delicately modeled face, while the body remains slender and elongated, reflecting later stylistic interpretation rather than direct reproduction. The combination results in a figure that feels referential rather than imitative.

Surface wear and pigment loss are consistent with age and handling, revealing areas of exposed wood and lending depth to the surface. These areas do not detract from the overall presence of the piece and support its early 20th-century origin.

This is an expressive sculptural object with strong visual presence, well suited for collectors or designers seeking an authentic early 20th-century Chinese decorative figure. Examples of this figure type with comparable pose, palette, and carving quality are rarely encountered.

Dimensions

Height: 13 in
Width at base: 5 in

Condition

Wear consistent with age. Areas of pigment loss, surface abrasion, and small chips throughout, most visible at the sleeves and hem. A large age-related crack is present along the back of the figure, running vertically through the robe; the crack is stable and does not affect structural integrity. An iron red “9-1” marking is painted on the back of the robe, likely a later inventory or collection number. Original polychrome and gilt remain visible, including intact gilt at the shoes, belt, and hair ornament. Structurally sound. Stand not included. See less