Object Description
A rare moulded, terracotta figurine of a male court attendant dating to the Northern Zhou Dynasty. The attendant is portrayed in one of the most iconic positions of Northern Zhou terracotta statuettes: facing forward with a slightly arched back. He wears the traditional court attire, the Shenyi, consisting of a short vest tied to the waist and long sleeves. Fragments of the white paint pigment still remain, of which the figure was originally adorned with. The attendant stands in a reverent pose, with his hands held together at the front below his chest. Although his hands are concealed by the vest’s sleeves, as was customary for members of domestic staff. Two holes are pierced above them, possibly to hold an offering of incense. A simple headpiece sits high on the man’s head covering his tied hair and leaving visible his facial features, rendered slightly in relief and portraying a solemn expression.
Date: AD 557 – 581
Period: Northern Zhou Dynasty