Ten Qingbai Figures of Courtiers, Five Dynasties-Song Dynasty

This work is a group of Qingbai (青白磁) porcelain figurines produced during the Five Dynasties to the Northern or Southern Song period (10th–13th century). A transparent glaze is applied over the white clay body, creating a subtle bluish tone. The figures, wearing official caps and long robes, form a set that symbolically represents attendants or civil officials serving the deceased in funerary rites. Traces of glaze flaking and oxidation on the bases indicate that these are excavated pieces. It is particularly rare for a complete group of Qingbai figurines to survive together, which greatly enhances their scholarly and exhibition value.

Although the facial expressions are simplified, the carving of the eyes, nose, and mouth is distinct, reflecting characteristic features of Qingbai figurines of the time. One figure is decorated with an unusual circular emblem on its chest. Each stands on a square pedestal, and despite their simplified modeling, when arranged as a group they create a solemn and ceremonial impression.

Period : Five Dynasties-Song Dynasty
Type : Figure
Medium : Qingbai ware
Size : 15cm(Height), 4~5cm(Diameter)
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Sotheby's Hongkong 19 - 26 August 2021 - Two Qingbai figures of courtiers, Southern Song dynasty
(Price realised : 40,320 HKD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/chinese-art-online-including-song-ceramics-from-the-kai-yin-lo-collection/two-qingbai-figures-of-courtiers-southern-song

2) Galerie Zacke 11th Sep, 2025 - The Collection of Sam and Myrna Myers Part 1 - A FINE COLLECTION OF EIGHTEEN QINGBAI FIGURES, SONG DYNASTY
(Price realised : €19,500 / Type : Closely related)
https://www.zacke.at/auction/lot/lot-34---a-fine-collection-of-eighteen-qingbai-figures-song-dynasty/?lot=84303&so=4&st=ZODIAC%20ANIMALS&sto=0&au=&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=1&pp=96&pn=1&g=1