Tang Dynasty (618-907)
The figure is standing on a circular base. He wears a hu costume (of non-Han people) with a folded collar and carries a sack on his back.
There are traces of red and black details of hair and coat.
13 cm high
Provenance: Old Dutch private collection
A very similar figure is illustrated by Wang Qingzheng, A Dictionary of Chinese Ceramics, Oriental Art Publications, Singapore, 2002, p. 81
Dwarf figures were popular from the Han to the Tang dynasty.
As they were thought to be incapable of rigorous work, they would often turn their physical limitations to humourous advantage by becoming street performers. Rich families would offer them a living in exchange for entertainment and companionship.
See He Li, Chinese Ceramics, The New Standard Guide,from The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, London, no.174
EFE 49 唐 彩繪侏儒陶俑
時代:唐朝,西元618至907年。
特徵:此俑身著翻領胡服(非漢族)、揹著袋子站立於一圓座上。其頭髮與外套上仍可見紅、黑色的顏料痕跡。
尺寸:高13公分。
來源:荷蘭私人舊藏。