From Court to Caravan Chinese Tomb Sculptures from the Collection of Anthony
M. Solomon
October 9, 2002 - February 16, 2003
Female
Figure Beating a Circular Drum on a Stand
Western Han period, 2nd-1st century B.C.E.
Medium gray earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white ground
This engaging set might originally have been part of a larger group
of musicians and dancers. Many hybrid creatures appear in the funerary
arts of the Han dynasty, typically drawn from texts such as the Classic
of Mountains and Seas. It is not known whether the kneeling, bird-beaked
human figure supporting the drum represents such a hybrid creature
or a human wearing a bird mask.
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