Throughout Chinese history, the military officer and civi official had been among the most idealized personages of Chinese society. Often in conflict with one another as they vied for supremacy, th military officer and civil official became the object of scrutiny or praise fo philosophers and artists, as characterizations of them figured prominently i parables and visual representations of social life.   



These figures of the Sui Dynasty provide an accurat representation of the popular imaginations about these two archetypes. The military officers stands strong, heavily clad in protective garmen with hands clenched as if attached to weapons. His ferocious face, protruding demon-like eyes, flared nostrils, and lip pulled back to reveal clenched teeth are indicative of prowess, enabling him t intimidate his foe.  On the othe hand, the scholarly civil official is a paragon of moral virtue and wisdom.  His features are soft, rounded somewhat feminine accentuate by flowing silk robes draped over his body. He glows with equanimity--a sure sign of his benevolence in governing an supreme understanding of right and wrong.     



Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tom figurines that are slim and unadorned.  Thes figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they too wer made to accompany their lord in the afterlife. Abounded with the virtue of loyalty, the military officer and civi official lived to serve their master--a loyalty that did not end in this lif but rather carried on into life after death.