Skip to product information
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting

  • These rare earthenware camels were created during the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China
  • Known as mingqi, the sculpture would have been buried with a wealthy deceased elite
  • Camels were essential to Silk Road trade
  • Minqi were intended were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife
  • Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No. 31-7234

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Formed of earthenware pottery with traces of warm pigments, this whimsical pair of camels hails from the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China. Reigning for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, the powerful Tang rulers oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. These camels, one resting and one standing, are a form of funerary sculpture known as mingqi, and likely accompanied a wealthy merchant’s burial. Already bearing saddles for. . .
Read More
Formed of earthenware pottery with traces of warm pigments, this whimsical pair of camels hails from the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China. Reigning for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, the powerful Tang rulers oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. These camels, one resting and one standing, are a form of funerary sculpture known as mingqi, and likely accompanied a wealthy merchant’s burial. Already bearing saddles for the deceased owner in the afterlife, the camels are ready for an otherworldly journey.

Tang Dynasty mingqi reflect a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving to China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. Mingqi sculptures such as these, which highlight the very animal that facilitated this extensive travel and trade, were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. They frequently depict guardian figures and the pack animals that were essential in the ever-expanding world.

Circa 7th-10th century CE

Standing camel: 19 3/4“ high x 15 3/4” wide x 8 5/8“ deep
Resting camel: 7 3/4“ high x 6 1/4” wide x 12 7/8“ deep
Read Less
Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting
Origin: China
Type: Figurines/Statuettes
Depth: 8.63 in. (21.91 cm)
Width: 15.75 in. (40.01 cm)
Height: 19.75 in. (50.17 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.