Bidspirit auction | SET OF TWELVE ZODIAC ANIMALS

SET OF TWELVE ZODIAC ANIMALS OF TANG DYNASTY - TL TESTED - Ca. AD 618 - 907. A remarkable collection of terracotta statues depicting the animals of the twelve zodiac signs. Each statue features an elongated body and is adorned with a dress that has long pleats. The faces of the statues are distinct and vividly represent various animals. They have their hands gently folded upon their chests, forming a restrained gesture beneath the drapery of their regal garments. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number: 2000.662.7a–l; The Victoria and Albert Museum, Museum no. C.103-1929. Size: L:470-490mm / W:140-145mm ; 3.14-3.27kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece has been precisely dated using a thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla. The report will accompany the lot. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.