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Civil official
Civil official

Civil official

Place of OriginShaanxi province or Henan province, China
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsMolded and sculpted low-fired ceramic figure with three-color glaze in brown, green, white and polychrome painted details
DimensionsH. 38 3/8 in x W. 11 7/8 in x D. 9 1/4 in, H. 97.5 cm x W. 30.2 cm x D. 23.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P515
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
More Information
Civil official figures ruled the configuration of the tomb, accompanied by armored warriors and tomb guardian animals, generally all in pairs. This official, standing on a rock pedestal, wears boots, a hat crowned with an upside-down bird's head, and a wide-sleeved, knee-length garment. Tang bird-crowned figures have been reported from High Tang tombs in Gansu (WW 1975.4: 76), Henan (KG 1986.5: pl. 7), and Shaanxi (WW 1977.10: 44). The significance of the bird crown remains uncertain.