Fat lady; China, Tang Dynasty, 618-907.

Fat lady; China, Tang Dynasty, 618-907.
Sancai glazed terracotta.
Presents restoration in the area of the head.
Measurements: 32,5 x 10 x 9 cm.
Figure of a court lady known as "Fat lady" belonging to a grave goods of the Ming dynasty, made of terracotta and decorated with engobes and glazes of sancai style. This style, whose name literally means "three colors", is based on the use of two glazes or lead glazes, copper oxide green and iron honey color, complemented by the ivory color of the engobe of the base. This type of objects for the grave goods, both figures and vessels, were called "mingqi" ("shiny object"). The sancai style has its origins in the Tang dynasty, specifically at the end of the 7th century, when the pieces destined for the grave goods began to be decorated with glazes instead of the traditional engobes. The Tang dynasty is considered by historians as a time of splendor of Chinese civilization, equal or even superior to the Han period. Emerging after a period of despotism under the reign of the cruel Yang Di, it was established by Li Shimin who, moved by filial piety, put his father on the throne before assuming the role of emperor himself and founding the Tang dynasty.