Court Lady with High Chignon

A slender painted earthenware figure stands on a flared base, her hair gathered into a tall, pointed chignon. Thin red stripes run down a pale gown, and a red-banded sash crosses her waist above folded hands. Pigment is worn in places, showing the clay beneath.

Look closer: Small painted floral motifs appear on the lower skirt near the hem, barely visible against the striped pattern.

Artist

Unknown

Date

c. 700–750

Medium

earthenware with polychromy

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

2494 × 3400 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund