AN AMBER-GLAZED FIGURE OF A STANDING GROOM TANG DYNASTY |

depicted wearing a cap picked out in black pigment, standing on a square base with his hands clasped beneath the long sleeves of his belted robe, his garments applied with an amber-chestnut glaze, wood stand

Sotheby’s New York, 25th October 1975, lot 119.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 12th/13th May 1976, lot 12.

Good condition, with just typical imperfections, and minor flakes.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sancai models of grooms of this delicately modelled style were created to accompany figures of horses, usually the celebrated Ferghana horses treasured at the Tang court. For a Tang white-glazed horse and groom group, see The Complete Works of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 6, Shanghai, 2000, pl. 81. See also a groom of this type, described as Western Turkic, in the Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Schloss Collection is illustrated by E. Schloss, Foreigners in Ancient Chinese Art, vol. II, New York, 1969, pl. 10a. A figure modelled in a similar pose, was sold in our New York rooms, 4th June 1982, lot 112; a slightly larger one was sold in these rooms, 30th March 1978, lot 119; and another was sold in our London rooms, 13th/14th November 1972, lot 285.