Tomb figurine, one of a pair, representing a Civil Dignitary. The type is individualized, and the features indicate that this person was of Khotanese origin. The figure is mould-made of grey clay, with a white ground, and painted, pigments flesh tints, red, green, blue, and gold. The figure is solid, the details being completed by hand.

Tomb Figurine, one of pair, late 6th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
On View in Gallery 208expand_more

These painted figures represent a bearded civil dignitary clad in official court dress and a military officer wearing riding boots and protective clothing. The faces are highly individualized, indicating through their large mouths, eyes and beard, that they are of Khotanese, rather than Chinese origin. Painted figures such as these are the predecessors to the impressive glazed tomb figurines that later distinguished Tang ceramics.

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Details
Title
Tomb Figurine, one of pair
Role
Artist
Dimension
26 in. (66.04 cm)
Accession Number
50.3.1
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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Tomb figurine, one of a pair, representing a Civil Dignitary. The type is individualized, and the features indicate that this person was of Khotanese origin. The figure is mould-made of grey clay, with a white ground, and painted, pigments flesh tints, red, green, blue, and gold. The figure is solid, the details being completed by hand.