During the Tang Dynasty restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of  More »

During the Tang Dynasty restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of the limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings, known as mingqi, have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic figures - animals, entertainers, musicians, guardians - were buried with the dead in order to provide for the afterlife. Of the various types of mingqi, there is perhaps none more charming than the beautiful sculptures of elegant female courtiers, sometimes known as “Fat Ladies” for their fleshy faces. These gorgeous women reflect the appreciation of the female form during the Tang Dynasty.This sophisticated woman provided eternal companionship for her lord throughout the afterlife. We can imagine her gracefully dancing or singing a poetical song, two popular customs for ladies during the Tang Dynasty. Such courtiers are described in the numerous love poems written during this era, considered a golden age of Chinese culture. This stunning lady wears her hair in an elegant coiffure arranged in a lopsided bun that crowns her head. Her sumptuous long sleeved dress equals the beauty of her sophisticated hairstyle. Traces of a floral motif that decorated her costume remain intact, as does the pigment on her red lips. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Their beauty inspires us as we are transported back to another time. This gorgeous sculpture has been to the next world and returned to our modern era to tell us her tale. She speaks of the enormous wealth and sophisticated culture of the Tang Dynasty, one of the greatest periods of artistic creation in human history. - (DL.2066)   « Less

“The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous  More »

“The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it has a secret understanding of springs and sources, subtle indeed is its knowledge.”This quote by Guo Pu dates to the 3rd Century A.D. and reveals the extent to which the Chinese adulated camels. These creatures symbolized the wealth and luxury that resulted from trading on the Silk Road. Commerce across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into China. However, the dusty trails of the Silk Road were an arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh deserts of Central Asia that could only be traversed by the two humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artists began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize continued wealth and prosperity throughout the afterlife.This seated camel with a detachable rider is a particularly fine example of this genre. The animal raises its head in protest as the rider commands it to continue on its arduous journey. The rider would have once held a whip or similar item, probably fashioned from a more perishable material which explains its disappearance. The original polychromy remains largely intact and is especially apparent on the rider’s flushed cheeks. Great care has been lavished on the details of his costume, particularly the peaked cap, and the hairs of his full beard are precisely defined with incised lines. This sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (DL.2067)   « Less

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this  More »

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this majestic creature. Their rapid mobility enabled quick correspondence between far away provinces, allowing the establishment of a centralized power. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The influence of the horse on the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. Believed to be relatives of mythological dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status, horses were glorified and revered in sculpture, painting, and literature. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese imported stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol ponies) eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form specifically in order to be interred with the dead. It was believed that the sculpted version could assume the powers of its living counterpart in the afterlife and assist the deceased in the dangerous journey to the next world. This custom catered to the needs of a particular belief system regarding life after death and the spiritual world.This pair of polychromed horses are remarkable for the survival of their detachable riders. The horses themselves are adorned with white reins and an elegant purple ribbon-like motif. The figures retain much of their original colouring and their facial features are clearly distinguishable. Although the hands have been lost, the riders are in excellent overall condition. The care lavished on this charming pair reminds us of the respect that these animals commanded during the Han Dynasty. - (DL.2068)   « Less

“The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous  More »

“The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it has a secret understanding of springs and sources, subtle indeed is its knowledge.”This quote by Guo Pu dates to the 3rd Century A.D. and reveals the extent to which the Chinese adulated camels. For the Chinese, these creatures symbolized the wealth and luxury that resulted from trading on the Silk Road. Commerce across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into China. However, the dusty trails of the Silk Road were an arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh deserts of Central Asia that could only be traversed by the two humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artists began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize continued wealth and prosperity throughout the afterlife.During the Tang Dynasty restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of the limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic figures - animals, entertainers, musicians, guardians, etc. - were buried with the dead in order to provide for the afterlife. This sculpture of a camel is a gorgeous example of the refined artistry of works that they were never meant to be seen by the living. This recumbent camel has paused for a moment before returning to its arduous journey. The fully detachable saddle is packed high with goods including rolled carpets possibly from Central Asia. A fur blanket with engraved tufts of hair tops the bundle. The camel’s head is held high in the air, as if getting ready to stand. This sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of Ancient China. This fine unglazed example would date back to the early Tang period, i.e. 7th century AD, when unglazed pottery figurines were still preferred to the later sancai glazed earthenware. - (DL.2069)   « Less

Upon leading a victorious rebellion against the foreign Mongul rulers of the Yuan Dynasty, a peasant named Zhu Yuanzhang seized control of China and founded the Ming Dynasty  More »

Upon leading a victorious rebellion against the foreign Mongul rulers of the Yuan Dynasty, a peasant named Zhu Yuanzhang seized control of China and founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368. As emperor, he founded his capital at Nanjing and adopted the name Hongwu as his reign title. Hongwu, literally meaning “vast military,” reflects the increased prestige of the army during the Ming Dynasty. Culturally, the greatest innovation of the Ming Dynasty was the introduction of the novel. Developed from the folk tales of traditional storytellers, these works were transcribed in the everyday vernacular language of the people. Advances in printmaking and the increasing population of urban dwellers largely contributed to the success of these books. Architecturally, the most famous monument of the Ming Dynasty is surely the complex of temples and palaces known as the Forbidden City that was constructed in Beijing after the third ruler of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yongle, moved the capital there. Today, the Forbidden Palace remains one of the hallmarks of traditional Chinese architecture and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vast nation.This delightful couple are an important testament to the artistic achievements of the Ming Dynasty. Standing on two sculpted bases, both figures perform the same gestures, with one hand raised and the other hidden within the sleeve of their long gowns. A small round object survives between the thumb and forefinger of the female and it is likely that the man once held a similar item. Considerable traces of the original polychromy remain and remind us that these figures would once have been alive with colour. The outer robes were dark blue, worn over a red undergarment. The hairstyles are traditional and the attention to detail is nowhere more apparent than in the expertly fashioned hairpin worn by the female. The deep furrows on the man’s forehead suggest wisdom and old age, while the female has a more youthful appearance. - (DL.2070)   « 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 Tang Dynasty. Perhaps their most  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 Tang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant project was the construction of the Great Canal, an enterprise 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 Tang 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.The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. Considerable efforts were expended in importing faster, stronger breeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the local Mongol Pony), crucial to the survival of the empire. In sculpture, painting and literature, horses were frequently glorified as distant relatives of sacred, mythological dragons. The adoration of the horse is most evident in the burial art which adorned the tombs of wealthy members of the social elite. This charming example of a white painted pottery horse with red highlights probably represents the prized possession of a noble aristocrat. It is exceptional for the care lavished on the unusually long saddle and the ornaments which hang from its trappings. The large eyes and downcast head suggest that this is a gentle animal which served its owner loyally. Surely this horse, crafted with loving care and attention to detail, was admired as much in life as it is today in its sculptural form. - (DL.2071)   « Less

Glazed sculptural tiles are today considered one of the hallmarks of classical Chinese architecture. However, despite their popularity in modern times, they were relatively  More »

Glazed sculptural tiles are today considered one of the hallmarks of classical Chinese architecture. However, despite their popularity in modern times, they were relatively scarce until after the end of the Tang Dynasty. Even then, during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, they were still infrequently used. It was not until the rise of the Ming Dynasty that glazed sculptural tiles became a popular decorative device extensively employed in temples, altars, imperials palaces, and gardens. Beijing became the center of glazed architectural tile production during the Ming period, and colorfully decorated pagodas began to sprout up around this region. Eaves and entryways were decorated with vibrant sculptures that served both decorative and sometimes religious purposes. On temples and palaces, representations of mounted warriors and snarling dragons were meant to ward off evildoers, of both the physical and spiritual kind.This fantastic pair would have been one of the centerpieces in the decorative scheme of a Ming Dynasty temple. Brilliantly colored in emerald green, turquoise and ochre hues, the tiles each depict two snarling dragons against a background of swirling foliage. The shape of the tiles suggests that they would have been situated on the curved edge of a temple roof. With their open mouths, sharp fangs and beady eyes these dragons would surely have been most effective at guarding the sacred space from evil spirits. This pair is but one part of a larger scheme that would once have decorated the temple structure. When we imagine the entire edifice covered with such tiles, from the walls to the roof, the glory of Ming Dynasty China becomes apparent. - (DL.2078A)   « Less

'The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it  More »

'The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it has a secret understanding of springs and sources, subtle indeed is its knowledge.' --Guo Pu, 3rd Century ADFor the Chinese, camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into 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. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artists 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 specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works despite the fact that they were never meant to be seen by the living. Traces of original polychromy survive on this friendly looking animal, fashioned with large eyes and a raised head. This sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (DL.2072)   « Less

'The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it  More »

'The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it has a secret understanding of springs and sources, subtle indeed is its knowledge.' --Guo Pu, 3rd Century ADFor the Chinese, camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into 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. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artists 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 specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this sculpture of a camel and detachable rider is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works despite the fact that they were never meant to be seen by the living. The distinct physiognomy of the rider reveals that he is of foreign descent, most likely a Turkic merchant from Central Asia. We can imagine him guiding a caravan into the cities of Tang China, carrying his precious goods directly into the market. Traces of polychromy survive on both the camel and the rider. The animal’s head is raised, teeth visible in its open mouth, perhaps in protest at its long journey. The hairs on its neck are expertly modelled as are the details of the rider’s clothing. He wears boots and a peaked cap and sports a full beard. He probably held a whip of some kind in his left hand which has since been lost. This sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (DL.2073)   « Less

Origin: Shaanxi Province - 'Xi'an' Circa: 618 AD to 907 AD Dimensions: 21" (53.3cm) high x 21.6" (54.9cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Tang Medium: Terracotta  More »

Origin: Shaanxi Province - 'Xi'an' Circa: 618 AD to 907 AD Dimensions: 21" (53.3cm) high x 21.6" (54.9cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Tang Medium: Terracotta Condition: Extra Fine   « Less