**Originally Listed At $900**

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A beautifully mold-formed terracotta hollow noblewoman tomb attendant wearing flowing garments on a integral pedestal. She stands upright with finely molded naturalistic creases and folds in her clothing, hands clasped together over her portly stomach, and facing to the right, her visage rounded and plump, an elaborate coiffure covers her head like a thick hood. Remains of white pigments are present across most of the surface, but worn in some areas, revealing the warm red terracotta below. During the Tang Dynasty, the ancients placed such model figures in tombs to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife known as a mingqi or "spirit utensil" created to care for a deceased individual of high status in the tomb, and this woman represents one of the court's ladies-in-waiting. Size: 4.375" L x 13" H (11.1 cm x 33 cm)

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169796

Repaired with pieces reattached to head and base. Base is repaired from approximately 3 large pieces with visible adhesive residue and break lines visible near her feet. Top of head is repaired from approximately 4 pieces, with chips and losses along break lines. Nice remains of pigments.