A fine hollow-mould terracotta Chinese Tang period statuette of a female court attendant. The figure is shown wearing a long, layered robe with flaring sleeves. The figure is presented standing, with the both arms held to the chest, although the hands are concealed by the sleeves. She wears a flat-topped headpiece. There is a small perforation in the centre of the piece, just above the figure's clasped hands, which would possibly have once held an accoutrement or used for offerings, such as incense. Some of the original white pigment is still visible to the statuette’s surface. Colours would have been applied after firing, with the result that they would have been more prone to flaking. 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~19.7cm, Width~4.8cm, Depth~3.3cm 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.