A fine hollow-mould terracotta Chinese Tang period statuette of a female court attendant. The figure is depicted wearing a long orange robe with flaring sleeves and is presented standing, with the both arms held to the chest. The hands are clasped together in front and feature a small perforation, which would possibly have once held an accoutrement or offerings such as incense. Her hair is styled in an up-do and she wears a slanted headpiece. The figure's face has been rendered delicately with white pigment for the base, black for the eyes and eyebrows, and orange-red for the mouth. Remnants of orange and red pigment also survive on the drapery. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, including surface chips and scratches, as well as chips to the base. 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: (circa) H 22cm x W 5.3cm x D 4cm Provenance: From the collection of a West Country gentleman, formed in 1970s.