Ca. 206 BC–220 AD Chinese Han Dynasty, terracotta court figure. This large kneeling female figure is presented wearing the traditional Eastern Han Dynasty court attire, or shenyi, which comprises a long vest, tied to the waist and long, flaring sleeves. The vest is a brilliant white while the waist-tie and trim are picked out in brilliant pink and red. This particular lady has a finely detailed face showing red painted lips, a small nose, bright eyes and delicately arched eyebrows. The figure’s long black hair is tucked behind her ears. Court ladies, otherwise known as nüguan ?? were present in the imperial palaces of all dynasties. Some served as consorts and concubines, but filled roles related to management of the imperial palace’s private quarters. During the Han period there were 14 ranks of court lady. Service as a court lady raised the status of a lady in regards to marriage prospects. This item comes fully authenticated with a TL test from Ralf Kotalla laboratory, Germany. Excellent condition.Size: L:450mm / W:240mm ; 7.2kg. Provenance: From an old Oxford collection formed in the 1980s.