ITEM: Statuette of a piggy MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Chinese PERIOD: Tang dynasty, 618 - 907 A.D DIMENSIONS: 45 mm x 45 mm x 94 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, F.B., acquired in European antiquities auctions between 2000 - 2009. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks. The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) succeeded the brief Sui Dynasty and is universally regarded as a Golden Age and a zenith of Chinese civilization, characterized by extraordinary political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. Founded by Emperor Gaozu and solidified by his son, Emperor Taizong, the Tang state successfully refined the centralized bureaucracy and legal code inherited from the Sui, establishing a powerful and efficient government that would serve as a model for subsequent dynasties. The capital, Chang’an (modern Xi'an) , became the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the world, a vibrant hub of international exchange where merchants, clerics, and envoys from Central Asia, Persia, India, and Japan mingled freely. The Tang era is best known for an unparalleled bloom in arts and literature. It is considered the classical age of Chinese poetry, producing masters like Li Bai and Du Fu, whose approximately 50,000 surviving works captured both the courtly splendor and the hardships of the time. The dynasty also saw significant technological advancements, including the widespread adoption of woodblock printing, which facilitated greater literacy and the circulation of texts, including the world's oldest dated complete printed book, the Diamond Sutra (868 CE). Other innovations, such as the initial development of gunpowder (initially for fireworks) and sophisticated clockwork mechanisms, cemented China's position as a technological leader. The dynasty reached its territorial and cultural height under Emperor Xuanzong in the early 8th century, a period of peace and prosperity that was famously interrupted by the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 CE). This devastating civil war severely weakened the central government, leading to the rise of powerful, semi-autonomous regional military governors (jiedushi). Although the Tang was restored, the dynasty never fully recovered its former power. The ensuing decline saw the increasing influence of court eunuchs and a series of rebellions, culminating in its final collapse in 907 CE. Despite its eventual end, the Tang left an enduring legacy, profoundly shaping the legal, administrative, and cultural norms of East Asia, including Japan and Korea. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.