A pottery figure of a court ladyTang DynastyThe plump figure standing straight with hands raised in front of her chest, one hand concealed by the long robe, the fleshy face detailed with rosy-pink blush and bright red lipstick, and almond-shaped eyes, all beneath the hair dressed in a high double-shaped topknot. 45.5cm (17 4/5in) high. 注脚唐 陶胎彩繪仕女俑Provenance: C.C.Wang Collection, New YorkEskenazi Ltd., London, 15 November 1999John J. Studzinski, CBE 來源：美國紐約，王季遷（1907-2003）舊藏英國倫敦古董商，Eskenazi Ltd.，1999年11月15日大英帝國司令勳章受勳者John J. Studzinski珍藏The elegant modelling of the present figure, characterised by a full body and thin garments falling gracefully to her feet, reflects the changes in the ideal of feminine beauty taking place during the middle of the 8th century. At this time, the highest-ranking classes of the Tang dynasty had become more sedentary and interested in interior pursuits. Tang poets spoke passionately about these new canons of beauty. Xu Feng in his 'Palace Poem' wrote that 'Court ladies in their quarters adorning their faces at dawn, peering out to search for their men who are now late, whiling away the monotonous time listening to the dripping of the water-clock, wearing silk gowns and refreshing their perfume';see W.Bynner (trans.), Tang Shi San Bai Shou, New York, 1920, vol.1, no.221.