Artwork Page for Harpist

Details / Information for Harpist

Harpist

mid-700s

North China, Tang dynasty

(618-907)
Medium
glazed earthenware
Measurements
Overall: 32.1 cm (12 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1931.450
Public Domain
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Location
239 Chinese Ceramics and Metalwork
Print
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Did You Know?

The angular harp, like the one held by this musician, occupied a prominent position in the court orchestras by the mid-eighth century.

Description

After four centuries of political turmoil and social disorder, a reunited China during the first half of the Tang Dynasty (618–906) was an age of unprecedented prosperity and vitality. Figurines placed in Tang tombs give a vivid glimpse of everyday life. The elegant earthenware ladies in various hairstyles, costumes, and activities suggest the fashions of the time.

This lady musician is seated on a circular plinth, playing a harp balanced on her right thigh. The plump face has well-defined features, with straight nose, pursed lips, and round cheeks. Her hair is drawn into a coiled chignon over the forehead. A long, high-waisted robe flows down to her shoes' upturned tips.
A glazed earthenware sculpture with remnants of orange-yellow and blue glaze depicts a kneeling figure playing a vertical harp. The figure wears a rounded hat with a dark protrusion, their face featuring downcast eyes. Their robe is heavily worn and pitted, exposing light ceramic underneath. Facing slightly left, the figure positions their hands on the tall, narrow instrument while sitting on a small base, captured in a moment of quiet performance.

Harpist

mid-700s

North China, Tang dynasty (618-907)

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