A large pottery figure of a court ladyTang DynastyThe elegant figure modelled standing, the loose robes pleated in the front to accentuate the sway of her body, with both hands in front of the chest concealed by the long sleeves, the face with full cheeks, a crisply carved mouth and almond-shaped eyes, all beneath a coiffure drawn up into a overhanging chignon, the figure covered in white slip. 62.5cm (24 5/8in) high. 注脚唐 陶胎彩繪仕女俑Provenance: J.J.Lally & Co., New YorkJohn J. Studzinski, CBE 來源：美國紐約古董商，J.J.Lally & Co.大英帝國司令勳章受勳者John J. Studzinski珍藏Wearing extravagantly styled hair and a long, flowing, brocaded robe, this court lady provides important elements in relation to the study of Tang dynasty society and costumes. The elegant modelling of the present figure reflects the changes in the ideal of feminine eauty taking place during the middle of the 8th century. Garments made from silk, as well as wool and linen were commonly worn at the time, though strict laws specified the kind of clothes and jewels appropriate for each social class. It was considered a style for the ladies to be dressed in hufu, 胡服, which was the outfit of those who resided in the western regions. The gowns were low cut with high waist-band. In perfect accordance with the Tang aesthetic of opulence, women pleated their skirts in an accordion form and raised the waist all the way up to the armpits. This way, the waistline was barrel shaped to show afull and rounded body contour. For reference see Saito Masaru, 'A Reconsideration of the Silk and Horse Trades between the Tang dynasty and the Uighur Empire,', Shigaku-Zasshi, vol.108, no.10, pp.33-57; see also J.Watt, Dawn of a Golden Age 200-750AD, New York, 2005, pp.66-77.Compare with a related pottery figure of a court lady, Tang dynasty, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,illustrated in The Quest for Eternity. Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from the People's Republic of China, Los Angeles, 1987, no.83, p.139. A related but larger pottery figure of a court lady, Tang dynasty, was sold at Christie's New York, 21 March 2014, lot 2070.