Figure of a lady. Excavated from the tomb of Xianyutinghui, Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1957, Tang dynasty, 618-906 CE. Earthenware with blue three-color, sancai, glaze, height 44.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing . © The Israel Museum.

Detail: head. Figure of a lady. Excavated from the tomb of Xianyutinghui, Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1957, Tang dynasty, 618-906 CE. Earthenware with blue three-color, sancai, glaze, height 44.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing . © The Israel Museum

Detail: sleeves. Figure of a lady. Excavated from the tomb of Xianyutinghui, Xiuan, Shaanxi Province, in 1957, Tang dynasty, 618-906 CE. Earthenware with blue three-color, sancai, glaze, height 44.5 cm, National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing . © The Israel Museum.

In the early Tang dynasty, figurines reflect the slender ideal form. In the middle Tang period the full-figured body and round-cheeked face became the fashion. This matronly woman with her delicate features wears a loose robe with low neckline and a loose jacket with wide sleeves. Her hair is gathered in a loose topknot.

Exhibition 'China: One Hundred Treasures', Jerusalem, August 14, 2001 - January 15, 2002