painted pottery COURT lady

Object nr. 101

Size: 48 cm x 15 cm

Condition: Good

TL-test: Oxford Authentication, 19 September 2001

High quality photos available on request

This figurine is a Tang Dynasty tomb figure of a court lady, a type of mingqi (spirit object) used as a funerary item in ancient China. These figures were crafted during the Tang Dynasty (618–906 AD) and placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the belief that life after death was an extension of worldly existence.

• Appearance: The figurine is adorned in flowing robes with long sleeves, characteristic of Tang-era fashion. The hairstyle is elaborate, possibly resembling the gaoji (upswept topknot) or another coiffure popularized by Yang Guifei, the favored concubine of Emperor Xuanzong. The plump physique aligns with Tang ideals of beauty, which celebrated fuller figures as symbols of prosperity and health.
• Material and Craftsmanship: Made from terracotta, these figures were often painted or glazed using techniques like sancai (three-color glazing), though many surviving examples have lost their original pigments over time.

• Prevalence: Tomb figures like this one were highly common during the Tang Dynasty, especially among aristocratic burials. Their size and number varied depending on the social rank of the deceased. For instance, high-ranking individuals might have dozens or hundreds of such figures.
• Purpose: These figurines served practical and symbolic roles. They were believed to provide companionship and service to the deceased in the afterlife. Female attendants like this one often represented grace and refinement, while other figures included musicians, dancers, soldiers, animals, and mythical creatures.

The production of such mingqi reached its zenith during the Tang Dynasty, a golden age for Chinese art and culture. These figurines not only reflect the artistic sophistication of the era but also provide invaluable insights into Tang society's aesthetics, customs, and spiritual beliefs.