A painted pottery figure of a court lady Tang dynasty

the portly figure standing with legs apart and hips slightly swayed, dressed in a voluminous robe secured below the waist with a black sash and decorated with large white flowerheads, falling in heavy folds down to the upturned tips of her shoes peeking out from beneath an underrobe embellished with white florets, her face with full fleshy cheeks, delicately painted with rosebud lips and finely delineated eyes and eyebrows, framed by the hair swept into a loose bun on each side, traces of pinkish-orange, green black and white pigment overall (2)

Acquired by the present owner in the early 2000's; prior to that, on the Hong Kong art market in the early 1980s.

In remarkably good condition with original pigment still vibrant. The proper right hand has been rebuilt.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present figure embodies the ideal female beauty during the Tang dynasty, which would have been endowed with plump proportions and her face colored red.  She is also dressed in a man's robe, reflecting one of the many high fashion trends favored by aristocratic ladies of the Tang court in the mid-8th century. Compare a larger pottery figure of a court lady, also donning a man's robe, sold at Christie's New York, 29th March 2006, lot 383.