A Pair of Northern Qi Painted Pottery Officials, 550 CE - 577 CE
Terracotta
height 119.4 cm
height 47 in
height 47 in
DK.113
Further images
As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the crops. Hunger and ethnic...
As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the crops. Hunger and ethnic feuding ravaged the population. This set of two officials is a memorial to the only individual that could secure peace and prosperity in such chaotic times. Clearly, none of the turmoil is exhibited in these calm, refined representations of officials meant to accompany and serve their lord throughout all the eternity.
The low- relief carving style and almost complete disregard for the shape of the body under the garments is characteristic of the Northern Qi period. Unlike the subsequent Sui style, sculptors during Northern Dynasties period were less interested in rendering the three- dimensional physical side of a deity figure than in capturing its spiritual message through delicate facial features and gestures.
The low- relief carving style and almost complete disregard for the shape of the body under the garments is characteristic of the Northern Qi period. Unlike the subsequent Sui style, sculptors during Northern Dynasties period were less interested in rendering the three- dimensional physical side of a deity figure than in capturing its spiritual message through delicate facial features and gestures.