A fine hollow-mould terracotta Chinese Tang Dynasty statuette of a male attendant. The figures are shown wearing the traditional Tang Dynasty court attire, comprising a long robe with an upper-garment with long sleeves, and a headgear. Incised detailing has been applied to show the pleats of the fabric. The figure is presented standing, with one arm held to the chest and neutral facial expression. The facial features are delicately moulded and enhanced with black pigment on the eyes, eyebrows and mustache, with red pigment for the lips. The original orange pigment of the robe is still visible to the statuette’s surface. There is a small perforation atop the raised hand which would possibly have once held a staff-like accoutrement, or used for offerings, such as incense. The piece has been repaired with a crack visible below the head. Some surface scratches throughout the piece. Such figurines were made as burial objects and grave goods to be placed in the tomb, often as a larger group forming a procession for the deceased. Figures of this type are called mingqi in Chinese and usually depict servants, officials, soldiers, musicians, court attendants, dancers and animals. Grave goods were an important status symbol in ancient China, and such terracotta figures were made for the service and entertainment of the owner, ensuring that their journey in the underworld was a happy one. Measurements: Height~22.1cm, Width~5.3cm, Depth~5cm Provenance: Private UK Collection Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style and patina. No further tests, such as, a TL test, an analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.