Tang Dynasty Terracotta Court Musician | Female Figure with Pan Flute & Traces of Pigment | 7th–9th Century

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Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
Tang Dynasty terracotta seated female court musician with pan flute
7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty terracotta female musician figure
Seated Tang Dynasty female musician playing pan flute terracotta figure
Tang Dynasty terracotta court musician with traces of red and white pigments
Tang Dynasty Chinese terracotta figure of female court musician on stand
7th–9th century Tang Dynasty court musician terracotta sculpture
Tang Dynasty female musician terracotta figure with pan flute and pigments
Tang Dynasty terracotta female court musician figure with pan flute and pigments
7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty seated musician terracotta sculpture
Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of female musician with red and white pigment traces
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta seated female court musician with pan flute
  • 7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty terracotta female musician figure
  • Seated Tang Dynasty female musician playing pan flute terracotta figure
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta court musician with traces of red and white pigments
  • Tang Dynasty Chinese terracotta figure of female court musician on stand
  • 7th–9th century Tang Dynasty court musician terracotta sculpture
  • Tang Dynasty female musician terracotta figure with pan flute and pigments
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta female court musician figure with pan flute and pigments
  • 7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty seated musician terracotta sculpture
  • Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of female musician with red and white pigment traces
Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of a seated female court musician playing a pan flute, traces of red and white pigments, displayed on a carved wooden stand, 7th–9th century China.
Tang Dynasty terracotta seated female court musician with pan flute
7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty terracotta female musician figure
Seated Tang Dynasty female musician playing pan flute terracotta figure
Tang Dynasty terracotta court musician with traces of red and white pigments
Tang Dynasty Chinese terracotta figure of female court musician on stand
7th–9th century Tang Dynasty court musician terracotta sculpture
Tang Dynasty female musician terracotta figure with pan flute and pigments
Tang Dynasty terracotta female court musician figure with pan flute and pigments
7th–9th century Chinese Tang Dynasty seated musician terracotta sculpture
Tang Dynasty terracotta figure of female musician with red and white pigment traces

Tang Dynasty Terracotta Court Musician | Female Figure with Pan Flute & Traces of Pigment | 7th–9th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Terracotta with traces of original pigment
Period: Tang Dynasty (circa 618–907 AD)

Description
This authentically aged Tang Dynasty terracotta figure depicts a seated female court musician playing a traditional Chinese pan flute. The figure is modeled in flowing robes, with visible traces of red and white mineral pigments, typical of Tang funerary art. Her serene face and intricately detailed hairstyle reflect the refined beauty standards of the Tang imperial court. Seated gracefully, she holds the multi-piped pan flute delicately to her lips—symbolizing the significance of music in Tang ritual, entertainment, and daily life. This sculpture most likely functioned as a mingqi, or tomb attendant figure, designed to provide companionship and cultural refinement to the deceased in the afterlife.

Features

- Rare depiction of a female musician with traces of original pigments

- Traditional Tang coiffure and draped robe details

- Pan flute rendered with fine sculptural precision

- Hollow-bodied construction consistent with Tang burial practices

- Displayed on a later-added carved wooden stand

Cultural Significance
Terracotta figures of musicians, dancers, and attendants were widely used during the Tang Dynasty as tomb furnishings, reflecting the wealth, sophistication, and artistic culture of the deceased. Music was central to Tang court life, and female performers held a celebrated role in both entertainment and ritual. This figure captures the elegance and cultural vibrancy of China’s golden age, offering valuable insight into its artistry and ceremonial traditions.

Condition
Good condition for its age, with surface wear, pigment loss, and mineral deposits consistent with burial context. Minor chipping along edges and extremities. Stable overall with no evidence of modern repairs. The custom wooden base is not original but enhances display.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height (including base): 6.25 in
Height (figure only): 4.25 in
Width: 4 in

Age
Estimated circa 7th–9th century AD (Tang Dynasty)

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: China
Material: Terracotta with traces of original pigment
Period: Tang Dynasty (circa 618–907 AD)

Description
This authentically aged Tang Dynasty terracotta figure depicts a seated female court musician playing a traditional Chinese pan flute. The figure is modeled in flowing robes, with visible traces of red and white mineral pigments, typical of Tang funerary art. Her serene face and intricately detailed hairstyle reflect the refined beauty standards of the Tang imperial court. Seated gracefully, she holds the multi-piped pan flute delicately to her lips—symbolizing the significance of music in Tang ritual, entertainment, and daily life. This sculpture most likely functioned as a mingqi, or tomb attendant figure, designed to provide companionship and cultural refinement to the deceased in the afterlife.

Features

- Rare depiction of a female musician with traces of original pigments

- Traditional Tang coiffure and draped robe details

- Pan flute rendered with fine sculptural precision

- Hollow-bodied construction consistent with Tang burial practices

- Displayed on a later-added carved wooden stand

Cultural Significance
Terracotta figures of musicians, dancers, and attendants were widely used during the Tang Dynasty as tomb furnishings, reflecting the wealth, sophistication, and artistic culture of the deceased. Music was central to Tang court life, and female performers held a celebrated role in both entertainment and ritual. This figure captures the elegance and cultural vibrancy of China’s golden age, offering valuable insight into its artistry and ceremonial traditions.

Condition
Good condition for its age, with surface wear, pigment loss, and mineral deposits consistent with burial context. Minor chipping along edges and extremities. Stable overall with no evidence of modern repairs. The custom wooden base is not original but enhances display.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height (including base): 6.25 in
Height (figure only): 4.25 in
Width: 4 in

Age
Estimated circa 7th–9th century AD (Tang Dynasty)

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