Tang Dynasty, Circa: 4th century
h.11n.(28cm.) X w.9.5 in.(24cm.) X d.6 in.(15cm.)
Condition: minor chip, overall very good
Anthropology
museum deaccessed pair of Imperial Tang maidens on custom wood base, similar to
various attendants to the princes, princesses, wealthy ministers and distinguished
nobles who provided themselves with all that their wealth could buy; not only
in life, but also in death. Tomb attendants of clay began to be made by the third
century B.C. The Han Dynasty produced countless ceramic funerary figures. By the
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) the techniques of pottery and glazing had advanced considerably
and the ceramics industry flourished internationally. Tang pottery figures are
varied and lively, reflecting the customs and fashions of the day, such as the
distinctive coiffures of these tomb maidens.