Chinese kneeling camel with loose saddle – painted terracotta in Wei/Tang style

Chinese kneeling camel with detachable saddle – painted terracotta in Wei/Tang style

A large Chinese terracotta camel: a kneeling two-humped (Bactrian) camel with head held high and roaring, wide-open mouth, in the style of the tomb figures of the Northern Wei to Tang period (6th–8th century). The body is hollow and built up by hand; the mane on the neck and head is rendered with fine incised lines, the eyebrows and whiskers drawn in black ink (photo 8). On the humps rests a detachable saddle with pack frame and bundles in two parts, including a rolled blanket with striped ends and a pack in the form of a monster mask (photos 12, 13 and 15).

Beneath the earth crust on the saddle, remains of detailed painting are still visible: green and pale blue areas with fine black brush lines, beside red-orange pigment (photos 13 and 14). On the neck and body there are remains of a white ground with pink-red painting (photo 10).

Why we chose this piece

Camels with a ‘roaring’ head and a highly loaded saddle are among the most expressive figures in Chinese tomb art; they recall the caravans of the Silk Road. This camel stands out for its size, its lively head and the complete, detachable saddle. Comparable kneeling camels with monster-mask packs have been sold at auction houses including Bonhams.

Style and interior

A true statement piece for a sideboard, plinth or display cabinet. The camel comes with a Perspex display cover (photo 7), so it can be shown dust-free and safely. It suits a collector’s interior, among antiques and Asian art, but also a japandi or wabi-sabi interior, where the earthy tones and weathered surface come into their own.

Important to know

No thermoluminescence test (TL test) or documented provenance is known. Form, construction and painting are consistent with the Northern Wei to Tang period, but the age has not been scientifically established. We therefore describe the camel as ‘in Wei/Tang style’; a TL test can be arranged by the buyer if desired.

Dimensions: camel 57 cm wide x 30 cm deep x approx. 45 cm high; Perspex cover 75.3 cm wide x 35.2 cm deep x 55.6 cm high
Material: hand-formed terracotta (earthenware) with white ground, red, pink, green, pale blue and black pigment
Style: Northern Wei to Tang dynasty (6th–8th century)
Period: age not established (no TL test)
Origin: China
Quantity: camel with detachable saddle in two parts, including Perspex cover
Condition: weathered condition. The saddle consists of two loose parts that rest on the humps (photo 15). On the saddle a thick earth crust over the painting (photos 13 and 14); painting on the body and neck largely worn, with lighter and darker patches (photo 10). The saddle is noticeably more orange in colour than the body. The underside is open, with earth deposits inside (photos 16 and 17). Small chips on the edges of the saddle and packs. No glue lines seen, but restorations cannot be ruled out without further examination.

Price:
price on request

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs are calculated separately based on destination, size and weight. Shipping outside the EU may require an export licence.