Tomb Figure
700-750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The use of tomb figures was a widespread practice in China since the Han dynasty (208 BC-AD 220). Funerary objects, either figures or vessels and daily tools, were placed in the burial to recreate a familiar environment and to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. This earthenware figure is part of a group of eight female attendants or dancers, wearing high-waisted dresses and long shawls typical of the early Tang period (AD 618-907).
The group is divided into four pairs, each characterised by a different hairstyle; in this case the hair is combed in a V-shaped chignon on the top of the head. Neck and head are left unglazed, sometimes with traces of unfired red painting on lips and cheeks, and of black colour on the eyes or hair. The body is decorated with yellow-brown, green and colourless lead glazes, from which comes the name sancai or 'three colours' given to this kind of ware.
The group is divided into four pairs, each characterised by a different hairstyle; in this case the hair is combed in a V-shaped chignon on the top of the head. Neck and head are left unglazed, sometimes with traces of unfired red painting on lips and cheeks, and of black colour on the eyes or hair. The body is decorated with yellow-brown, green and colourless lead glazes, from which comes the name sancai or 'three colours' given to this kind of ware.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Painted earthenware, coloured with lead glazes |
| Brief description | Tomb figure, glazed earthenware, China, Tang dynasty, 700-750 AD |
| Physical description | Tomb figure of female attendant or dancer. The figure wears a long dress with a shawl draped over the shoulders; the hair is combed in a V-shaped chignon on the top of the head. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Lady Loraine, in memory of her husband, the Rt. Hon. Sir Percy Loraine, Bt, GCMG |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The use of tomb figures was a widespread practice in China since the Han dynasty (208 BC-AD 220). Funerary objects, either figures or vessels and daily tools, were placed in the burial to recreate a familiar environment and to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. This earthenware figure is part of a group of eight female attendants or dancers, wearing high-waisted dresses and long shawls typical of the early Tang period (AD 618-907). The group is divided into four pairs, each characterised by a different hairstyle; in this case the hair is combed in a V-shaped chignon on the top of the head. Neck and head are left unglazed, sometimes with traces of unfired red painting on lips and cheeks, and of black colour on the eyes or hair. The body is decorated with yellow-brown, green and colourless lead glazes, from which comes the name sancai or 'three colours' given to this kind of ware. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.66E-1961 |
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| Record created | March 28, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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