A pair of large courtesans

Earthenware with cold-painted pigments

Tang dynasty, 618 – 907
Height: 32 in (81.2 cm)

These unusually large figures reflect the high rank of the dignitary buried in the tomb where they were placed. These plump beauties are usually found in the tomb of males of high rank, and represent courtesans that would continue to provide pleasure to their master as they did in life. For similar examples, see, Sherman Lee China, 5,000 years. Innovation and Transformation in the Arts (Guggenheim Museum: 1988), pl. 105.

A thermoluminescence analysis has been performed by Oxford Authentication Ltd., and confirmed the dating.

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Works of Art (2009), cat. no. 94

Ref. 859424

Price on request