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Title

Figure of an entertainer

7th century-8th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Title
    Figure of a youthful dancer
    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Tang dynasty 618 - 907 → China
    Date
    7th century-8th century
    Media category
    Ceramic
    Materials used
    earthenware with green glaze
    Dimensions
    26.5 x 13.0 cm
    Credit
    Purchased in memory of Fred Storch with the assistance of the Asian Art Collection Benefactors, Mrs Rosemary Foot AO and the Fred Storch Memorial Fund 2004
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    9.2004
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    One of the most distinctive figure types in the repertoire of Tang dynasty pottery models is that of the foreigner - grooms, slaves, entertainers, courtesans, serving at the Imperial court in Changan (Xi'an). This model of a curly-headed, youthful dancer/entertainer, obviously of non-Chinese origin, is a wonderful example of these figures that capture the spirit and atmosphere of the cosmopolitan capital of the Chinese empire in the Tang dynasty. These colourful and provocative images, of exotic dancers, semitic merchants, bearded grooms from such places as Sodgia and Central Asia, are an important and illustrative aspect of the Tang pottery tomb tradition.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2004.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China