Tang Dynasty, 618-907 AD, or later. A hollow-formed ceramic statuette of a courtly lady in draped robe with neatly dressed hair, hands extended, slippers exposed from beneath the robe; subtle cream, green, black and coral-pink colouration. See Prodan, M. The Art of the Tang Potter, London, 1960. 14.5 kg, 82cm (32"). Ex Cheuk family collection. During the Tang Dynasty the feudal system flourished. Political power stabilised, as officials were elected through the Imperial examination system, a system that provided everyone an equal opportunity to become a court officer. Many innovations were made, such as woodblock printing, and Buddhism was first introduced to the Chinese culture. As the economy prospered, Ancient Chinese depictions of beautiful women also developed, as people began to value larger women.Contrary to the typical slender, pale woman, the new image of a beautiful woman that emerged in China at this time was plump and voluptuous. Artworks began to glorify women who valued self-indulgence. More fat on a woman’s body symbolised her wealth, a quality that became increasingly attractive during the Tang dynasty. As the society reached a cultural peak, art began to reflect the carefree, luxurious life of aristocratic women.

Finely modelled.