Massive female dancing entertainer figure The Han dynasty ruled China from 206 BC to 220 AD. Spanning over four centuries, the Han dynasty is considered a golden age in Chinese history, and it has influenced the identity of the Chinese civilization ever since. From the reign of Emperor Wu (141–87 BC) onward, the Chinese court officially sponsored Confucianism in education and court politics. He also opened the Silk Road, establishing trade with the West. The Han dynasty is notable for its concentration on organized ceramic production. During the Qin and Han dynasties, the imperial court established the yuefu (literally Music Bureau), which was responsible for collecting folk music and dance for performance at the court. Musicians, dancers and singers were all part of a larger group of entertainers who participated in Han funerals and feasts, and they are often represented in terracotta figures. This grey earthenware female dancer statue is displayed in a dynamic pose. The figure appears in a twisted pose with her legs placed either side of a stool or pot, one arm raised holding a scarf or ribbon, while the other hand holds her garment. Her face shows a gracefully smile, and her head is adorned with a fantastic headdress featuring three flowers. The elegant posture reflects the movement and action of the dance. Provenance: Purchased by the current owner to an English Gallery. Former private collection (Bath; 1990s). The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.