Tang Dynasty Court Lady Figurine Holding Fan

£ 3,750.00

An exquisitely decorated Chinese, Tang Dynasty terracotta fat lady figurine. She is shown wearing a long court robe which falls to her feet in heavy pleats. The dress has a flared fabric, which emphasises her plump figure. The top half of the robe has been painted a delicate pale pink and embelished with a delicate fan pattern. A thin red sash then separates and leads to long white skirts which seem to curl around her feet. The court lady holds a small fan within her clasped hands, which are covered by draping sleeves. She is standing in a relaxed manner. Her face depicts a pleasing expression, with bright red painted cheeks, a tiny carved smile, and a red spot painted onto her forehead. Her hair is characterised in a popular Tang hairstyle, featuring a high-top knot which is tied to fall to the side.  The figure stands on top of an orange base.

Date: AD 618 - 907
Period: Tang Dynasty
Provenance: From a West Country, UK, collection; formerly in a Hong Kong gallery, 1990s.
Condition: Good Condition. Paint faded from age, some signs of wear. This piece is supplied with a positive TL test from Oxford Authentication, sample C122g72.

In stock

The Tang Dynasty saw a unified China. The era was a peaceful one, which allowed for the inclusion of new customs and travellers from outside of the country. Women’s roles within the empire were completely free and it was thought that they were liberated. The Tang Dynasty saw one of the most female influenced political periods within Chinese history, which is why women had such freedom. The aspect of new culture and ideas influenced art and fashions. Fat Lady Figures represent the tang beauty standards, the fashion of court robes changed to extenuate the fuller figure rather than the previous standard of slimmer body types. These figures are thought to be decorative and funerary items. These statues have been interpreted as a celebration of female beauty.

For more information on Tang Dynasty Fat Women, please see our blog post: The Importance of the Fat Lady in Chinese Tang Art

Weight 2750 g
Dimensions H 42 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Reference: For Similar: Christie’s Auction House, London, Auction 8497, Asian Decorative Art, 19th March 2001, lot 18

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