The Tang Dynasty was a period of considerable expansion, marked by greatly increased trade both within China and abroad. Ceramic wares formed an important part of that trade. Grave goods were an important status symbol in ancient China, so the affluent and important would be accompanied in their travels through the afterlife with numerous depictions of people, items and animals. Such terracotta figures were made for the service and entertainment of the owner, ensuring that their journey in the underworld was a happy and protected one. Emphasising the large number of male attendants found in Tang Dynasty tombs, which reiterate the need to have sufficient help in the afterlife.
To discover more about Tang statuettes, please visit our relevant blog post: Terracotta Tomb Attendants.
