Ca.960-1279 AD. Chinese Song Dynasty. A cream-coloured, rectangular brick with an attendant figure depicted in high relief. The attendant, looks left, with his hands clasped in front of him. He wears the traditional black cylindrical hat of Chinese courtiers (hanfu), a heavy red gown and a yellow medallioned belt. Possibly originally part of larger composition of multiple bricks, including additional attendants and a ruler. 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:395mm / W:120mm ; 2.27kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.