Statuette Of A Musician In Blue Sancai. China, Tang Period.

This small glazed terracotta statuette represents a court musician. She holds cymbals in her hands. The terracotta is covered with 3-color lead glaze (sancai) ochre, green and especially blue, which is very rare. We know of very few Tang period statuettes decorated with blue. All Tang ceramics decorated with blue are always of the best quality, indeed the face of our musician is exceptionally beautiful. This type of hairstyle was worn at the end of the 7th century around the year 700. There are a lot of copies of Tang ceramics made from 1900 until today, some are very well executed but the forgers have not yet reached this level. China Tang period around 8th century. Good condition, complete, head glued. In some places the enamels are flaking, a sign of age; between the cracks, mineral salts trapped in the clay by time exude, a sign of a long stay underground. Height: 165mm