Ancient Chinese

Fat Lady - with thermoluminescence test - China, Tang Dinasty, 618 - 906 AD Terracotta and pigments 37 cm height PROVENANCE: - Private collection, Barcelona. Acquired in an art gallery, from USA, 1980s. Condition: Good, see photos. The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is widely regarded as one of the golden ages of Chinese civilization. Under emperors such as Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian, China experienced political stability, territorial expansion, and extraordinary cultural flourishing. The capital, Chang’an (modern Xi’an), was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, connected to Central Asia and beyond through the Silk Road. Trade, foreign influences, poetry, music, and the visual arts all thrived during this period. One of the most fascinating artistic legacies of the Tang dynasty is its funerary sculpture, especially the glazed terracotta figures placed inside tombs. These objects, often known as mingqi (spirit objects), were intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They represented servants, musicians, guardians, animals, and court ladies, recreating a miniature version of the earthly world within the tomb. Crafted with remarkable realism and often covered in sancai (three-color) glaze—typically amber, green, and cream—these sculptures provide valuable insight into Tang society, fashion, and ideals of beauty. Among the most iconic of these figures are the so-called “Fat Ladies,” statues of court women characterized by full, rounded faces and ample bodies. Rather than being caricatures, these figures reflect the Tang dynasty’s aesthetic preference for plumpness as a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and health. In contrast to earlier periods, when slenderness was more admired, the Tang court celebrated a more voluptuous form. This shift may have been influenced by the empire’s wealth and its openness to foreign cultures, particularly from Central Asia. The “Fat Ladies” are typically shown wearing elaborate high-waisted dresses with long flowing sleeves, their hair arranged in intricate topknots. Their expressions are serene and self-assured, suggesting refinement and status. Some hold musical instruments or stand in relaxed poses, embodying the sophistication of court life. These figures were not portraits of specific individuals but idealized representations of aristocratic women, possibly court attendants or entertainers. Today, Tang terracotta ladies are displayed in major museums around the world and remain powerful symbols of the dynasty’s artistic achievement. They reveal how concepts of beauty change across time and culture, and they testify to the cosmopolitan spirit and material abundance of the Tang era. Through these sculptures, we glimpse both the daily life and the spiritual beliefs of one of China’s most remarkable dynasties.

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