Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Sculpture of a Fat Court Lady

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About the Item

A beautiful ancient Chinese Tang dynasty pottery figure of a lady, dating to 740-780 AD. This stunning piece reflects the idealized beauty of the high Tang period. Standing facing, her sensitively modeled face has a natural beauty and charm expressed in the delicate features. The full cheeks, carefully plucked brows and gentle smile have been finely painted, the hair in a large coif, bunched at the top. There is clarity in the treatment of the drapery, standing in flowing robes whose folds are fluently indicated, her bound feet protrude from the bottom of the gown. The surfaces of the figure seemingly melt into one another without organic separation, producing a sense of graceful carriage. This novel style, notable for its theme of Baroque plumpness, flourished during the mid-8th century. As the fashion for foreign styles increased at the cosmopolitan Tang court, tight-fitting dresses gradually receded. A new style of plump, voluptuous woman dressed in flowing gowns became popular; the so called "fat lady". This shift in aesthetic tastes is thought to have been influenced by the Emperor Ming Huang's favourite concubine, Yang Guifei (719 - 756), known as one of the four beauties of ancient China and whose curvaceous physique was legendary. Produced at the culmination of a series of sculptural developments that had begun centuries earlier, the "fat lady" is one of the most iconic and desired Tang ceramic types amongst collectors. This piece is a fine example of this unique artistic style, delicate and refined, it has been modeled in the very highest artistic standards of the Tang. An Oxford Research Laboratory Thermoluminescence test accompanies this piece, which scientifically dates it to the Tang Period (618 - 906 AD). Provenance: Ex. Sotheby's of London, sold at auction 2004. Original tag included.

Dimensions:
Height: 14.85 in (37.72 cm)
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
740-780 AD
Condition:
Head reattached, otherwise in excellent condition for an ancient figure. With remnants of exquisite floral decorations on the figure's robes.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU105221270348

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