Chinese statuette of a horse with rider

Description

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) in China was renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and artistic achievements, and one of the notable facets of its artistic expression was the production of Minqi figures. Minqi, which translates to “folk art,” encompassed a wide range of artistic forms created for everyday use and enjoyment. These figures were crafted by skilled artisans and represented various aspects of daily life, including depictions of people from different social classes, occupations, and activities.

Minqi figures from the Tang Dynasty provide valuable insights into the cultural and social life of the time. They depict scenes from daily life, such as musicians playing instruments, dancers performing, scholars reading, merchants conducting business, and farmers tending to their fields. These figurines capture the diversity and dynamism of Tang society, illustrating the mingling of different social strata and the vibrancy of urban and rural life during this period.

Crafted from materials such as ceramic, pottery, and occasionally metal, Tang Dynasty Minqi figures were meticulously detailed and displayed a high level of craftsmanship. Artisans paid close attention to facial expressions, clothing, and accessories, infusing these figures with a sense of realism and vitality.

唐朝（618-907年）是中国历史上文化繁荣和艺术成就辉煌的时期，其艺术表达的一个显著方面是民器人物。民器是指各种为日常生活和娱乐而创作的艺术形式。这些人物由熟练的工匠制作，代表了日常生活的各个方面，包括不同社会阶层、职业和活动的人物形象。

唐代的民器人物提供了宝贵的见解，展现了当时的文化和社会生活。它们描绘了日常生活中的各种场景，如音乐家演奏乐器、舞者表演、学者阅读、商人进行交易以及农民耕作。这些塑像捕捉了唐代社会的多样性和活力，展示了不同社会阶层的交融，以及这一时期城乡生活的丰富多彩。

唐代的民器人物通常由陶瓷、陶器等材料制成，偶尔也用金属制作，制作精细，工艺水平高。工匠们注重面部表情、服饰和配饰的细节，赋予这些人物形象逼真感和生动性。如今，唐代的民器人物被视为珍贵的文物，为我们提供了宝贵的见解，了解中国历史上最辉煌的王朝之一的物质文化、社会动态和艺术审美。