89 - Funerary Mingqi of a court lady, China, Tang Dynasty, 7th–10th century

Funerary Mingqi of a court lady, China, Tang Dynasty, 7th–10th century Terracotta with light slip and traces of polychromy. Measures 31 cm in height. Funerary figure of a court lady in an upright position, with her head slightly inclined and a serene expression, framed by an elaborate updo in a forked chignon. She wears a long tunic with vertical folds that falls naturally to her feet, emphasizing the verticality of the figure, while she holds a globular vessel in her hands, reinforcing its ceremonial character. The surface retains traces of polychromy in red, white, and green tones, now mostly faded by the passage of time, along with an antique patina that underscores its authenticity. Traces of use, minor losses, and surface alterations contribute to its historical interpretation. This type of mingqi, characteristic of the funerary equipment of the Tang Dynasty (618–907), illustrates the aesthetic refinement and symbolic importance of courtly figures in funerary rituals, integrating the piece into a sculptural tradition of remarkable cultural and archaeological value.