Detail: Temple fairs are a Chinese tradition, especially in Beijing. Dating back to the Liao Dynasty, city folk and peasants from outlining areas would gather at these fairs and buy/trade clothes, jewelry, birds, fish and insects . . . and attend the many events and carnivals. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), “temple fairs” became widespread throughout China. This is a terra cotta figure of a carnival performer decorated with traces of red and blue pastels. Comes with a simple marble base for easy display. Acquired from an antiquity galley in West Virginia in 1999. Has been in my private collection.
For the Serious Collector.