A POTTERY FIGURE OF A COURT LADY TANG DYNASTY

modelled standing wearing a long pleated robe, her hands gathered at her chest and covered with long sleeves, rendered with a plump face framed by a veil, the reddish earthenware with traces of white slip and coloured pigments, fabric stand

The upper part of the figure and the head have been broken into several parts and restuck as expected of this type of unearthed figures,as visible in the photo. There are also a few chips to the base. Her left foot and bottom section of the robe have chipped off and are now missing. There is an old early 20th century fabric stand which is now distressed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Another similar figure but with a high chignon, excavated in 1955 from tomb 131 at Gaolou Village, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, was included in the exhibition The Quest for Eternity, Los Angeles County Museum, 1987, cat. no. 83, where it was explained that funerary figures of plump ladies dressed in loose flowing robes demonstrated the ideals of beauty during the high Tang period. See a related Tang dynasty pottery figure of a court lady, sold in our New York rooms, 1st December 1992, lot 239 and later at Christie’s New York, 20th March, 2014.