Size

24cm(H) x 12cm(W) / 9"(H) x 5"(W)

Item Type

Ceramic

Region

China

Date

China, Han (206 BCE - 219 CE)

Condition

Excellent

minor surface incrustation.

Materials

Ceramic

Full Description

Eastern Han Dynasty Grotesque Entertainer

A.D 25-220.

Reddish-brown clay with grey slip; grotesque entertainer rendered in a low squat-like position with his weight balanced on the right leg whilst the left, crooked at the knee is raised in the air, perhaps as he dances to the music which accompanies his song; the slender arms and small hands are rested on the full stomach which hangs low, almost to the group; the shoulders are broad and hunched surmounted by large head with prominent protruding features, the hair is tied up into a pointed bun on top of head.

It is thought that such figures are based on entertainers that were present at the Han court and had an important role in court entertainment; similar examples have been found in graves of Sichuan provinces in south west China, and are thought to constitute a specialised form of local art.

For similar examples see Rawson "Mysteries of Ancient China", British Museum Press 1996 pl.109-110