Ca. 618-907 AD.A hollow-moulded terracotta tomb figurine (mingqi) in a form of a female flautist depicted in a kneeling position, wearing a long cream-coloured robe and a red top. Her hair is neatly combed into a coiffure consisting of a bun. The face is covered with white pigment, on which thin, slightly arched eyebrows and narrow eyes have been outlined in black pigment. The small mouth has been painted red. Only the top-rated musicians at the Tang court were allowed to perform seated, while the lesser-rated performers played standing. For a similar see The Yousef Jameel Centre, Accession no.EA1991.60.Size: L:255mm / W:145mm ; 1.25kgProvenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.