Two painted pottery figures of court ladiesTang DynastyThe plump figures clad in voluminous high-waisted robes defined by long pleated skirts falling above the upturned slippers, the round faces with small painted lips, brows and narrow eyes beneath large elaborate chignons, with traces of coloured pigments remaining. The taller 51.5cm (20 1/4in) high. (2).注脚唐 陶胎彩繪仕女俑一組兩件The results of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test nos. C111k94, dated 7 September 2011, and C119n19, dated 5 September 2019, are consistent with the dating of this lot.Oxford Authentication Ltd公司熱釋光檢測結果（2011年9月7日，編號C111k94，與2019年9月5日，編號C119n19）顯示年代與本拍品年代一致。Gracefully rendered, the elegant ladies wear loose gowns with long sleeves and sport elaborate coiffures which reflected the fashion of the time. The plumpness of the body, conveyed by the full cheeks, dimpled chins and broad chests, is often found in pottery figures and tomb frescoes dating from the 8th century. These features may well have been influenced by the full-figured concubines of the Xuanzong emperor(r. 713-756). The sedentary lifestyle and the greater availability and variety of food delicacies, imported from neighbouring countries, must have prompted an increase in weight among the high-ranking members of Tang society. 'There is nothing that cannot be eaten', declared a Tang general in the 8th century. Golden peaches from Samarkand graced the tables of the emperor and his favourites; pistachios, imported from Persia, started to be grown in Southeast China by the 9th century. High-quality pine seed and ginseng roots originating from Korea were also available and mangoes were imported from Southeast Asia. The emperors hosted great feasts for the members of their household, which required several meal supervisors and cooks to manage the delicacies that were sent as tributes to the Court. According to surviving literary records, in 644, 768 and 826 the Court served thousands of officers as well as numerous court ladies and members of the imperial family.The size, facial features and the hairstyle of the present figures are similar to those displayed on a pottery figure, Tang dynasty, illustrated in the Los Angeles County Museum Exhibition, The Quest for Eternity. Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from the People's Republic of China, Los Angeles, 1987, no.83, p.139.A similar pottery figure of a lady, Tang dynasty, was sold at Christie's New York, 19-20 September 2013, lot 1255; another similar example was sold at Sotheby's London, 9 June 2004, lot 77.