Unglazed Female Attendant
Contributor
Place of Origin
Culture/Period
Date From
618
Date To
907
Materials
Height (cm)
31.4
Width (cm)
10.2
Depth (cm)
9
Accession Number
HKU.C.1959.0498
Description
The unglazed standing female attendant was discovered in tomb and presented ritual function. It is one of the mingqi, which means spirit articles as replicas of the entourages that are buried with the dead.
The lady figure was mould-made and coloured. Unfortunately, due to its nature of unglazed, the colour wore out over time and the little pigment is left. She stands with her right hand held in front of her chest. It is possible for her right hand to hold an item. However, it is unidentified now. Probably damaged or lost during excavation. The attendant’s dressing style has reflected fashion and people’s opinion on beauty during the time. Parted in the middle, her hair is tied into two buns. This is common among Tang young ladies who are yet to marry. She wears a loose robe with long sleeves that can hide her hands, reveals the fashion of Tang dynasty. The cloud-like gown is vividly represented by a few lines. From the traces of paint on her faces, she has a plump and rounded face, expressing a mild and graceful smile. The female figurine has reflected the fashion of mid-Tang dynasty. The trend had begun during the time of Emperor Xuanzong (685-762). One of his concubines, Yang Yuhuan has a plump and full shape which become the beauty standard at that time. In addition to the rich material life and luxurious lifestyle of the elites, Tang people think of plump and full-figure body shapes as the ideals of beauty.
The lady figure was mould-made and coloured. Unfortunately, due to its nature of unglazed, the colour wore out over time and the little pigment is left. She stands with her right hand held in front of her chest. It is possible for her right hand to hold an item. However, it is unidentified now. Probably damaged or lost during excavation. The attendant’s dressing style has reflected fashion and people’s opinion on beauty during the time. Parted in the middle, her hair is tied into two buns. This is common among Tang young ladies who are yet to marry. She wears a loose robe with long sleeves that can hide her hands, reveals the fashion of Tang dynasty. The cloud-like gown is vividly represented by a few lines. From the traces of paint on her faces, she has a plump and rounded face, expressing a mild and graceful smile. The female figurine has reflected the fashion of mid-Tang dynasty. The trend had begun during the time of Emperor Xuanzong (685-762). One of his concubines, Yang Yuhuan has a plump and full shape which become the beauty standard at that time. In addition to the rich material life and luxurious lifestyle of the elites, Tang people think of plump and full-figure body shapes as the ideals of beauty.
Citation
“Unglazed Female Attendant,” 3D Objects at UMAG, accessed April 27, 2024, https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/items/show/134.