Tang Dynasty pottery figurines: Reflections of a flourishing era

Figurines, or "yong" in Chinese, have long served as symbols of a tomb owner's identity and social status, bearing witness to the evolution of ancient Chinese burial culture. Particularly during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), these figurines were imbued with the role of guardians and companions for the deceased, embodying the era's rich beliefs and customs surrounding the afterlife.

The Henan Museum houses an impressive collection of Tang Dynasty ceramic figurines. These artifacts reflect not only the grandeur of Tang funerary practices, but also the vibrant cultural exchanges between China and foreign civilizations at the time. Exotic fashions, objects, and imagery from abroad were absorbed into Tang society and became common themes in figurine design.

Their detailed representation of Tang life – including clothing, food, housing, transportation, and entertainment – offers a vivid snapshot of everyday society. Among them, the female figurines stand out for their elaborate hairstyles and attire, revealing the aesthetic ideals and fashion sensibilities of Tang Dynasty women.