Minneapolis Institute of Art
Female tomb figure
China
- Date
- 7th-10th century
- Medium
- Ceramic, pigments
- Department
- Asian Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
This elegant earthenware figure portrays a Tang dynasty court lady standing with hands gently clasped in front. Her high-waisted gown cascades in soft folds, and her twin-bun hairstyle reflects the height of Tang fashion. Faint traces of pigment suggest the figure was once vividly painted, enhancing its lifelike charm. Tomb figures like this one reflect the grandeur and cosmopolitan spirit of Tang society. More than decorative, they served to accompany and comfort the deceased in the afterlife. Embodying ideals of grace, beauty, and refinement, the figure captures the Tang fascination with performance, elegance, and social ritual. Her poised bearing offers a timeless vision of feminine decorum shaped by one of China’s most dynamic and worldly dynasties. Asia
The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.
Related across collections
Semantically similar works from Minneapolis Institute of Art and other institutions.
Court Lady with High Chignon
Cleveland Museum of Art
Court Lady with Tall Headdress: Tomb Figurine
Cleveland Museum of Art
Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Standing, Plump Court Lady with Upturned, Pointed Shoes and an Elaborate Coiffure, Her Hands in a Gesture at Chest Level
Harvard Art Museums
Female tomb figure
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Woman Holding Plum Blossoms
Cleveland Museum of Art
Equestrian Female, from the tomb sculpture set: Two Equestrian Figures, One Male with a Tall, Elaborately Embellished Hat, One Female with Hair in a Topknot, Both with Pointed Boots, and Hands Positioned to Hold the Reins of their Standing, Saddled Horses
Harvard Art Museums
Woman Riding a Horse
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Female Dancer: Tomb Figurine
Cleveland Museum of Art
Female Attendant, one of five
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Equestrian Male, from the tomb sculpture set: Two Equestrian Figures, One Male with a Tall, Elaborately Embellished Hat, One Female with Hair in a Topknot, Both with Pointed Boots, and Hands Positioned to Hold the Reins of their Standing, Saddled Horses
Harvard Art Museums
Standing, Plump Male Court Attendant with Pointed Shoes and Informal Headgear, His Clenched Left Hand Raised to His Chest, His Clenched Right Hand at His Side
Harvard Art Museums
Female equestrian traveler with brimmed hat
Minneapolis Institute of Art