Civil official
Place of OriginCentral Plains, China
DynastySui dynasty (581-618) or Tang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsLow-fired ceramic, hands sculpted and with straw colored, semi-transparent glaze with minor crackle
DimensionsH. 24 1/2 in x W. 7 in, H. 62.2 cm x W. 17.8 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P118+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewExamples related to this piece in pose or costume have been unearthed from Sui tombs in Henan (ZGDS Tulu 1983 vol. III: fig. 1025), Hubei (KG 1957.6: pl. 11), Anhui (KG 1977.1: pl. 11), and Jiangsu (KG 1983.2: pl. 7). The tight-sleeved shirt exposed beneath a loose-sleeved garment, a style appearing on Six Dynasties Buddhist bronze figures, was employed on ceramics during the Sui. The costume also includes a small cap and baggy trousers. The oversized proportions achieved with remarkable sculptural skill make this an extraordinarily valuable whitish-glazed piece from the north.
approx. 618-700
approx. 550-700
