Tomb dwarf man

early 7th–early 10th century

The dwarves are painted with yellow and green lead glaze, their eyes and beards delineated carefully with black color to emphasize a quiet and humble expression, while their plain garments also indicate their low social status. Given the fact that dwarves from Central Asia served in the Chinese capital during the Tang Dynasty as jesters and/or servants, it is likely that their representations in tombs of the affluent were also expected to serve the deceased.

Ceramic with glaze

7 x 3 1/8 x 1 7/8 in. (17.78 x 7.94 x 4.76 cm)

Overall h.: 7 3/4 in.

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

49.57

Not currently on view

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