| The practice of placing wooden or clay figurines in tombs to accompany
the deceased into the next world began in the late Bronze Age, and the practice
became widespread during the four centuries that constitute the Han Dynasty.
Because many of the burials associated with the Han are of high-ranking
officials, it is not surprising that figures of musicians, dancers, acrobats,
and other entertainers who made up the rich court life of the nobility in
ancient China are so well represented among surviving examples of Han Dynasty
tomb art. |
This pair of dancers captures much of the free and easy spirit of the Han
age. They were likely part of a large tomb set that may have included instrument
players and courtly attendants as well. Done with a deceptive simplicity
that emphasizes contours and outline over inner details, these figurines
capture the very essence of graceful and effortless movement. They have
a timeless appeal, and they are among the most popular works of art in our
Chinese galleries today. |
