A Funerary Soldier Figure Heads

Western Han Dynasty, Shaanxi Province, China, 2nd Century BCEGroup of terracotta sculpted heads originating from Han Dynasty funerary figures created for elite tomb complexes. Rendered with restrained naturalism and individualized facial expressions, the works reflect the growing sculptural sophistication of early imperial China. Traces of original pigment remain visible across the surfaces, indicating that the figures were once fully painted in vivid ceremonial colors. Unlike the monumental terracotta sculptures of the Qin Dynasty, Han funerary figures were typically smaller and more intimate in character, representing attendants, servants, or guardians intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. These heads once belonged to a type of soldier figure colloquially referred to as "stick men". The softened modeling and aged earthen patina emphasize their archaeological authenticity and individual expression. Price for each.