China - Great And Remarkable Fat Lady With Dog - Tang Dynasty - Tl

Remarkable and large terracotta sculpture representing a "Fat Lady" from the Tang Dynasty, an emblematic period of Chinese history (618-907). She stands upright, with an expressive face and generous figure, hands clasped to her chest, tenderly holding a dog in her voluminous sleeves, a symbol of loyalty and protection. Her full-bodied form is dressed in a long pleated dress with incised vertical folds and traces of red pigment. The head is crowned with an elaborate headdress tied in a bow, testifying to the refinement and elegance of the period. The dog is modeled with a rounded muzzle, small erect ears, and a slightly protruding tongue. The posture and meticulous details illustrate the craftsmanship of the Tang period, famous for its expressively shaped and brightly colored terracotta sculptures. A thermoluminescence test accompanies the object, thus certifying its ancient dating. Origin: China. Dimensions: Height: 51 cm; Length: 20 cm. Period: Tang Dynasty (618-906) - Thermoluminescence test. Condition: Very good condition, polychromy remains. Provenance: Private collection in the United Kingdom, acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong. The Tang Dynasty (618-907) is considered one of the golden periods of Chinese civilization, marked by great cultural, artistic and commercial prosperity. Terracotta sculpture from this period often reflects daily life, spirituality and social values. Female figures, such as this "Fat Lady", embody the beauty, fertility and wealth of Tang society. Polychromy, particularly red, was used to emphasize the nobility and vivacity of the figures. The elaborate bow hairstyle demonstrates the attention to detail and taste for sophisticated aesthetics of the period. These works were often intended for tombs or temples, serving to honor the deceased or to accompany funeral rites, while illustrating the richness and cultural diversity of the Tang dynasty.