Throughout Chinese history, the military officer and civil official had been among the most idealized personages of Chinese society. Often in conflict with one another as  More »

Throughout Chinese history, the military officer and civil official had been among the most idealized personages of Chinese society. Often in conflict with one another as they vied for supremacy, the military officer and civil official became the object of scrutiny or praise for philosophers and artists, as characterizations of them figured prominently in parables and visual representations of social life. These figures of the Sui Dynasty provide an accurate representation of the popular imaginations about these two archetypes. The military officers stands strong, heavily clad in protective garment with hands clenched as if attached to weapons. His ferocious face, protruding demon- like eyes, flared nostrils, and lips pulled back to reveal clenched teeth are indicative of prowess, enabling him to intimidate his foe. On the other hand, the scholarly civil official is a paragon of moral virtue and wisdom. His features are soft, rounded somewhat feminine accentuated by flowing silk robes draped over his body. He glows with equanimity--a sure sign of his benevolence in governing and supreme understanding of right and wrong.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they too were made to accompany their lord in the afterlife. Abounded with the virtue of loyalty, the military officer and civil official lived to serve their master--a loyalty that did not end in this life but rather carried on into life after death. - (H.522)   « Less

Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits through trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of trails brought  More »

Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits through trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into the heart of China. However, the dusty trails of the Silk Road were an arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia that could only be traversed by the two humped Bactrian camel. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. Camels were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art created in an ancient Chinese custom specifically for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their needs in the afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this crème-glazed sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works, despite the facts that they were not intended to be viewed by the living. Most remarkable, this work still retains some of its original painted pigment, including red highlights on his ears and mouth, which heighten the naturalism. This majestic sculpture reveals China’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to their prosperity. - (H.723)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a bright yellow glaze, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.872)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a bright yellow glaze, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.874)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a bright yellow glaze, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.875)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a bright yellow glaze, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.876)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a bright yellow glaze, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.877)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancia-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. While her long-sleeved dressed have been covered in a vibrant yellow glaze, she wears a blouse on top of her dress that has been painted bright red. In addition, her facial features and hair have been highlighted in black paint, with red for her lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.873)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancai-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of a female attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. She has been covered in a bright yellow glaze, while her hair has been highlighted in black paint and a sash tied around her waist has been highlighted with a red hue. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Her beauty inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this woman once danced or sang for us, or awaited our beck and call. - (H.932)   « Less

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps  More »

Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the T’ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème glazed that would be elaborated upon in the Sancai-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to accompany their lord in the afterlife. This stunning sculpture of an attendant is a gorgeous example of Sui Dynasty sculpture. He has been covered in a bright yellow glaze, while his shoes, and a sash tied around his waist still bear traces of their original black pigment. Red highlights also decorate details of his robe. The beauty of this sculpture inspires us as we transport back in time to another era, over a thousand years ago, where this attendant awaited our command. - (H.931)   « Less