C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. Two polychrome terracotta figurines depicting elaborately dressed ladies. Both of these ladies are posed standing, facing forward with each hand tucked into the opposite sleeve. Both figures figure are presented wearing a dress with full skirts and over-length hanging sleeves. Each lady is highly detailed with her robes picked out in pastel tones and her hair arranged in an elaborate double bun updo suggesting that she was a court attendant. Court attendants served an inportant role in the management of the imperial palace’s private quarters. During the Tang period service as a court attendant conveyed high status to the women who had served and increased their marriage prospects. Good Condition; Size: L:Set of 2; 355mm / W:95mm ; 2.7kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1980s.