Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. A terracotta statuette of a male court attendant (sanqi changshi), portrayed standing with the right hand held to the chest, wearing the traditional Tang Dynasty court attire,prising a long robe with an upper-garment with long sleeves, and a headgear (hu) with flaps for neck and hair; the original white, brown-red, flesh and black pigments still visible to the statuette’s surface; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Ranitzsch, K.H., The army of Tang China, Stockport, 1995, pl.18, fig.84A, and pl.G1. 802 grams total, 24cm high (30.5 cm high including stand) (9 3/8 in. (12 in.)). Acquired 1980s-1990s. Collection of M. Cummings, Lincolnshire, UK. The mingqi (lit., underworld objects) were miniature models of people and things placed in the Tang Dynasty graves. There were three main categories of function for mingqi in the underworld: guardians of the tomb occupants, servants in the afterlife and vehicles for travel. These statuettes probably fulfilled the second purpose. [No Reserve]