Group of Musicians. Excavated in Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1995, Tang dynasty, 618 - 906CE. Earthenware, height 11 x 11.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing. © The Israel Museum.

Detail: Flute player. Group of Musicians. Excavated in Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1995, Tang dynasty, 618 - 906CE. Earthenware, height 11 x 11.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing. © The Israel Museum.

Detail: The clapper. Group of Musicians. Excavated in Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1995, Tang dynasty, 618 - 906CE. Earthenware, height 11 x 11.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing. © The Israel Museum.

The upper classes in the Tang dynasty enjoyed a life of luxury and leisure. Lavish banquets enlivened by music and dance.

This group of male musicians in loose-fitting informal dress and scarf caps probably accompanied a group of dancers. The instruments are the four-stringed lute, pipa; the upright mouth organ, sheng; the transverse flute, the pan flute, the clapper, and the small harp.