Dear Collectors, Friends, and Valued Clients,
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We are pleased to present a remarkable work of early Chinese art: an amber and straw-glazed pottery figure of a Bactrian camel, Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). This fine example was intended for the tombs of Tang aristocracy, signalling both status and connection to the Silk Road trade routes.
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Standing at approximately 38.5 cm high and weighing 2,308 g, the camel stands foursquare on a mostly unglazed square base. Its head is raised upward as if braying, modelled with characteristic double humps and covered in cream-coloured glaze with amber splashes on the saddle cloth, humps, forelock and neck.
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Provenance & Authenticity
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This piece boasts exceptional provenance:
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From the Hurdle Collection, sold at Christie’s Amsterdam on 2 May 2007, lot 240.
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Acquired by Robert McPherson (London) from the above.
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Then part of the collection of Geoffrey Middle (United Kingdom), acquired in 2008.
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An independent thermoluminescence analysis issued by Oxford Authentication on 31 May 2022 (sample number C122e71) confirmed the firing date to be between 900 and 1,500 years ago—consistent with its Tang dynasty attribution.
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Condition is commensurate with age and typical of archaeological Tang-period ceramics: some repairs to the neck and legs with retouching, small losses, cracks, encrustations, and a small hole from sample taking.
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Symbolism & Cultural Reach
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The two-humped Bactrian camel was imported to China from Central Asia as early as the Han dynasty. In the Tang era it symbolised the empire’s far-reaching trade, especially along the Silk Route, and epitomised tomb-goods of the elite.
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This rare opportunity to acquire a museum-quality Tang sancai (amber and straw glazed) camel brings together exceptional modeling, documented provenance, scientific authentication—and compelling historical meaning.
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For high-resolution imagery, detailed condition report, or to discuss acquisition terms, please contact us.
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Warm regards,
Becker Antiques
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