|
HOME :
Chinese Art :
Sui Dynasty : Sui period glazed figurine of a Lady in Waiting
|
 |
|
|
|
Sui period glazed figurine of a Lady in Waiting - H.872
Origin: China
Circa: 581
AD
to 618
AD
Dimensions:
10.25" (26.0cm) high
Collection: Chinese Art
Style: Sui Period
Medium: Terracotta
£5,000.00
Location: Great Britain
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The Sui Dynasty was a short-lived imperial
dynasty of China of pivotal significance. The Sui
unified the Northern and Southern dynasties and
reinstalled the rule of ethnic Han Chinese in the
entire China, along with sinicization of former
nomadic ethnic minorities within its territory. It
was succeeded by the Tang dynasty, which
largely inherited its achievements.
Tomb figures, such as this figurine of a female
attendant, are pottery figures of people and
animals especially created as grave goods to
accompany the deceased person by being placed
in tombs. This funerary custom was based on the
belief that the figures represented being occupied
in various situations would become available for
the service of the deceased in the afterlife.
Such figures were made of moulded earthenware
with the colour generally being added, though
often not over the whole figure.
Regardless of its brief duration, lasting for the
rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved
the way for the golden age attained during the
T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant
constructive project was the construction of the
Great Canal, a project that facilitated the
movement of people and commercial goods
across great distances, leading to the
reunification of China. However, the cost of the
Canal completely bankrupted the empire and
ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the
T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructural
improvements of the Sui and establish one of the
greatest empires in the history of China, following
their footsteps.
Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is
represented by tomb figurines that are slim and
unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème
glazed that would be elaborated upon in the
Sancai-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These
figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify
Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to
accompany their lord in the afterlife. This figurine
of a female attendant is a great example of Sui
period coroplastic. While her long-sleeved
dressed have been covered in a bright yellow
glaze, her facial features and hair have been
highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips.
- (H.872)
|
| |
|
