A WHITE MARBLE KNEELING TORSO FIGURE
early Tang dynasty
7th century AD
China
The female torso kneels with both arms hanging down
in front of the body; they form a U shaped curve
- with the hands clasped together, but hidden beneath
a dress that looks as though made of a delicate,
pleated silk fabric. There is a circular clasp below
the breasts, a scarf over her shoulders, and a delicately
carved necklace representing twisted strands of
gold.
It is most unusual to find the depiction of a
secular figure in sculpture of this period - particularly
in the medium of white marble - and she would
probably have been found (representing a worshipper)
at a Buddhist shrine. This sculpture is very similar,
however - in form and dress - to straw glazed
terracotta tomb figurines (of the Sui and early
Tang dynasties) that depict court ladies and such
figures as musicians and dancers.
Height: 23.5” / 59.5 cm
|
