Tang Dynasty, 618-907 AD. A group of ceramic figuresprising: one standing female dancer, one arm raised above her head, the other by her side, wearing a floor-length robe with long sleeves, her hair dressed in a bun; a male figure standing on an integral base, head turned to his right, arms held against chest, hands clasped together, wearing a tunic, boots and a cap; red, green and black painted pigment surviving on both figures. 990 grams total, 28.5cm each (11 1/4"). Acquired before 2000. Collection of an American lady living in London. China has a long history of dance. Dances requiring an outfit with long sleeves have a history dating back to at least the Zhou Dynasty. The most important dances at that time were the yayue, performed at the imperial court until the Qing dynasty and performed today in Confucian ceremonies. The art of dance reached a peak in the Tang Dynasty, when over sixty Grandpositions were recorded and tens of thoands of micians and dancers attended the Imperial palaces. The art of dance declined after the Tang dynasty, in part due to the increased popularity of foot binding and greater social restriction placed on women. [2]