A Chinese Song Dynasty terracotta tile presenting a female figure in high relief. The seated figure is wearing a long, voluminous robe, her hair gathered up in a high bun. The woman is sitting in front of what seems like a musical instrument, probably a guzheng (古筝), a traditional Chinese string instrument. Unfortunately, most of the pigment and facial features are now missing due to age. The reverse of the tile displays a lozenge pattern with a star-shaped indentation inside each rhombus. The Song Dynasty ruled China during one of its most brilliant and sophisticated cultural epochs, marking a high point for innovation in economy, science, engineering, and warfare. The Dynasty saw the introduction of the first banknotes and the first recorded chemical formula for gunpowder, as well as large-scale experimental architecture and a new intellectual interest in the arts. Measurements: L 24.4cm x W 5cm x H 26.9cm Provenance: Acquired 1970s-1990s. Hong Kong collection. Ex West Country collection, UK