Tang dynasty teracotta tomb figurine of a woman dancing, c.618-907 [Tang Dynasty]
Scope and Contents
This is a Tang dynasty terracotta tomb figurine of a woman dancing, dressed in traditional Tang dynasty attire and hair up in two buns. It is one of four figurines bought by Dorothy Needham on Monday 1 Oct. 1945 while visiting Xi'an 西安 with Joseph Needham. It was authenticated by Zheng Dekun 鄭德坤, a museum director of the West China Union University Museum (see relevant entries in the diaries of Joseph Needham and Dorothy Moyle Needham). Zheng Dekun kept one of the figurines for the museum. The dancer is seated, the right arm and leg outstretched, the left arm lower than the right, and the left leg bent behind the body. It is in decent condition with some discoloration and scratches but no major flaws.
Dates
- Creation: c.618-907 [Tang Dynasty]
Biographical / Historical
This was bought as one of a set of four figurines by Dorothy Moyle Needham in Xi'an in Sep. 1945, authenticated by Chinese archaeologist Zheng Dekun 鄭德坤 [1907-2001].
Extent
1 object(s) : Terracotta
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bought by Dorothy Needham at an antique shop in Xi 'an 西安, Monday 1 Oct. 1945.
Dimensions
Height: 17.5cm, Length: 13.5cm, Width: 15cm.
Repository Details
Part of the Needham Research Institute Repository
Needham Research Institute
8 Sylvester Road
Cambridge CB3 9AF United Kingdom
+441223 762157
Library@nri.cam.ac.uk