Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2003.6.18 |
Object Name |
Figurine |
Description |
Chinese glazed earthenware figure of a male dancer, Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). The standing male figure in active motion, with short curled hair, well-defined features, wearing a diagonally slung pleated sash and diaper-like garment, standing on a rectangular base. Ceramicists enjoyed depicting the many foreigners living, traveling, and trading in China during the Tang Dynasty. The curly hair and pantaloons of the figure indicate that he is likely from Southeast Asia, or Africa. Despite being mold-made, the figure displays remarkable detail. His stance suggests that he is a dancer, placed in a tomb to entertain the dead in the afterlife. Not all tomb wares featured the tri-color glaze of sancai. The creamy white color on the figure was created by burning straw to make an ash glaze. |
Title |
Foreign Figure |
Date |
7th-8th century |
Medium |
earthenware | lead glaze |
Dimensions |
H-10.875 W-3.5 D-4 inches |
Credit line |
Gift of Alan and Simone Hartman |
Place of Origin |
Asia/China |
Culture |
Chinese |
Subjects |
Ceramic industries Clothing & dress Dancer Death & burial Entertainers Male Sculpture Tomb |