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 |
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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 |
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Record created | July 5, 2007 |
Record URL |
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