East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A mold-formed terracotta hollow tomb attendant woman wearing flowing garments, caught in a dynamic pose, dancing with one arm raised. The long sleeves were in fashion during this period and the movements of the sleeves played a role in dances, a costume style that is still used today in Chinese opera. Dancing as an art form and entertainment reached its peak in China under the Tang Dynasty, and institutions were established to train skilled musicians and dancers for imperial courts! A pottery figure such as this dancer was buried as a funerary item known as mingqi to accompany the deceased in the afterlife providing entertainment and companionship to the deceased. Size: 3.5" L x 2.5" W x 7.25" H (8.9 cm x 6.4 cm x 18.4 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Berkley, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#176528

Chips and surface nicks. Fading and losses to painted pigments. Some softening to details, but overall good condition without repairs.