Figure of Dwarf
7th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
One of the most vivid visual records of the trade and cultural exchange between the Chinese and foreigners is retained in the form of ceramic figurines. Such figures accentuate the obvious physiological differences of foreigners, not so much as caricatures, but rather to record and depict their 'foreign-ness'.
The Tang Dynasty (619-907AD) can be said to have been one of the most liberal periods of Chinese contact with the foreign world. Foreign dwarves such as depicted in this figure were popular as itinerant entertainers and were known to have served as court entertainers as well.
The Tang Dynasty (619-907AD) can be said to have been one of the most liberal periods of Chinese contact with the foreign world. Foreign dwarves such as depicted in this figure were popular as itinerant entertainers and were known to have served as court entertainers as well.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Earthenware with unfired pigment |
| Brief description | Figure of dwarf, earthenware with unfired pigment, China, Tang dynasty, 7th century |
| Physical description | Figure of a dwarf; earthenware with traces of unfired pigment. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Credit line | Given from the collection of the late Surgeon-Captain J.A. Forrest, R.N. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | One of the most vivid visual records of the trade and cultural exchange between the Chinese and foreigners is retained in the form of ceramic figurines. Such figures accentuate the obvious physiological differences of foreigners, not so much as caricatures, but rather to record and depict their 'foreign-ness'. The Tang Dynasty (619-907AD) can be said to have been one of the most liberal periods of Chinese contact with the foreign world. Foreign dwarves such as depicted in this figure were popular as itinerant entertainers and were known to have served as court entertainers as well. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.55-1954 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | July 5, 2007 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
