smiling, animated figure with open mouth, closed eyes and wrinkled brow; PL knee bent; PR leg extended; bare feet; PR arm extended, holding a drum beater; drum in crook of PL arm, next to body

Figure of a Squatting Drummer, 1st-2nd century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Comical caricatures of performers were especially popular in Sichuan Province during the Eastern Han dynasty (A.D. 25-220). Used as tomb figurines, they provided entertainment in the afterlife, and an entire troupe might be interred with the deceased. Drummers like the one represented here specialized in a kind of storytelling that was part spoken, part sung. This one sings merrily, his brow wrinkled in laughter. His heavy body suggests he may be a dwarf. Performers of similar build appear on Han tomb tiles decorated with scenes of juggling and sword balancing.

Although ceramic Han tomb figures were mass-produced, this type is surely one of the most engaging and expressive examples of Han dynasty figural art.

Details
Title
Figure of a Squatting Drummer
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2003.101
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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smiling, animated figure with open mouth, closed eyes and wrinkled brow; PL knee bent; PR leg extended; bare feet; PR arm extended, holding a drum beater; drum in crook of PL arm, next to body