Page 75 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art London Nov. 2019

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A LARGE POTTERY FIGURE OF A
COURT LADY
Tang Dynasty
The elegant figure modelled standing, the
loose robes pleated in the front to accentuate
the sway of her body, with both hands in front
of the chest concealed by the long sleeves,
the face with full cheeks, a crisply carved
mouth and almond-shaped eyes, all beneath
a coiffure drawn up into a overhanging
chignon, the figure covered in white slip.
62.5cm (24 5/8in) high.
£20,000 - 30,000
CNY180,000 - 270,000
唐 陶胎彩繪仕女俑

Provenance: J.J.Lally & Co., New York
John J. Studzinski CBE, London

來源：美國紐約古董商，J.J.Lally & Co.
大英帝國司令勳章受勳者John J. Studzinski
珍藏

Wearing extravagantly styled hair and a long,
flowing, brocaded robe, this court lady provides
important elements in relation to the study
of Tang dynasty society and costumes. The
elegant modelling of the present figure reflects
the changes in the ideal of feminine eauty taking
place during the middle of the 8th century.

Garments made from silk, as well as wool
and linen were commonly worn at the time,
though strict laws specified the kind of clothes
and jewels appropriate for each social class.
It was considered a style for the ladies to be
dressed in hufu, 胡服, which was the outfit of
those who resided in the western regions. The
gowns were low cut with high waist-band. In
perfect accordance with the Tang aesthetic
of opulence, women pleated their skirts in an
accordion form and raised the waist all the way
up to the armpits. This way, the waistline was
barrel shaped to show afull and rounded body
contour. For reference see Saito Masaru, ‘A
Reconsideration of the Silk and Horse Trades
between the Tang dynasty and the Uighur
Empire,’, Shigaku-Zasshi, vol.108, no.10,
pp.33-57; see also J.Watt, Dawn of a Golden
Age 200-750AD, New York, 2005, pp.66-77.

Compare with a related pottery figure of a
court lady, Tang dynasty, in the Los Angeles
County Museum of Art,illustrated in The Quest
for Eternity. Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from
the People’s Republic of China, Los Angeles,
1987, no.83, p.139. A related but larger
pottery figure of a court lady, Tang dynasty,
was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March
2014, lot 2070.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.