Tang dynasty 'Fat Lady' figure - Chinese pottery statue with pigment residue

Description

Elegant Tang dynasty 'Fat Lady' from red and white pigmented pottery, with graceful pose and original pigment residue.

This refined tomb statue depicts a shapely court lady with the typical rounded forms that embody the Tang beauty ideal. The figure is enveloped in a pleated gown with red pigment and floral motifs, remnants of which are still clearly visible. The soft facial expression, slightly inclined head position and high coiffure give the figure a subdued, regal appearance.

Preservation is excellent: natural signs of age, patchy pigment remains, no fractures or repairs. No fluorescent test present. Supplied on a transparent plexiglass stand.

Origin & meaning
The 'Fat Lady' figures symbolise the prosperity and sophistication of the Tang court culture (618-907 AD), in which female beauty was associated with elegance and status. These statues were placed in the tombs of the elite to accompany the vitality and grace of the deceased. This specimen is from the collection of Elisabeth Sijke van der Woude (1938-2023), Leeuwarden; via Venduehuis The Hague. Previously purchased from Vanderven & Vanderven at PAN Amsterdam (2000). An exceptionally well-documented provenance for a Tang statue of this quality.

Dimensions
Height 34 cm (without stand) × width 9 cm × depth 8.5 cm.