Ca.960-1279 AD. Chinese Song Dynasty. A rectangular, terracotta-coloured brick with a reclining musician within a recess; the figure’s hair is picked out in black and the rich drapery of his(?) robe is a deep red, a colour with connotations of wealth in Chinese culture. The Song Dynasty, which ruled most of China between 960 and 1279 AD, was responsible for many innovations, including the first banknotes (paper money), as well as in the fine arts, as this beautiful ceramic brick exemplifies. Excellent condition.Size: L:170mm / W:350mm ; 6.2kg; Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s.