Ancient Chinese, Song Dynasty Earthenware Tile with Female Figure Circa 960-1127 AD This earthenware tile is nearly square-shaped with a flat profile, one face of which is adorned with a low-relief depiction of a standing female figure. The woman is dressed in an orange-painted upper garment and a light green skirt with delineated vertical folds. One hand is positioned in front of her body, while the other is raised to her head. Her round, white face is delicately detailed with small eyes, a subtle nose, and red-painted lips, all framed by black hair drawn into a topknot-style coiffure. This tile likely served a decorative purpose, possibly adorning a wall. The Song Dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1279 CE, was a pivotal period in Chinese history, known for its remarkable achievements in culture, economy, and technology. It was founded by Emperor Taizu after he unified China, ending the fragmentation of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The dynasty is divided into two eras: the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279), with the capital moving from Kaifeng to Hangzhou after the Jurchen invasion. The Song Dynasty was characterized by its advancements in technology, including the invention of gunpowder, the compass, and movable-type printing, which revolutionized Chinese society and influenced the wider world. Economically, it saw the rise of a market economy, a flourishing trade, and the use of paper money. Culturally, it was a golden age for Chinese painting, poetry, and philosophy, with Confucianism being revitalized in the form of Neo-Confucianism. Despite its many achievements, the dynasty faced military challenges, notably from the Liao, Jin, and eventually the Mongols, who overthrew the Song and established the Yuan Dynasty. The Song Dynasty is often credited with laying the foundations for many aspects of modern Chinese civilization. Dimensions: 295mm x 290mm; weight 5.23kg Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.