Figure of a dancer

The practice of placing wooden or clay figurines in tombs to accompany the deceased into the next world began in the late Bronze Age, and the practice became widespread during the four centuries that constitute the Han Dynasty. Because many of the burials associated with the Han are of high-ranking officials, it is not surprising that figures of musicians, dancers, acrobats, and other entertainers who made up the rich court life of the nobility in ancient China are so well represented among surviving examples of Han Dynasty tomb art. This pair of dancers captures much of the free and easy spirit of the Han age. They were likely part of a large tomb set that may have included instrument players and courtly attendants as well. Done with a deceptive simplicity that emphasizes contours and outline over inner details, these figurines capture the very essence of graceful and effortless movement. They have a timeless appeal, and they are among the most popular works of art in our Chinese galleries today. (From “A Handbook of the Collection: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art,” 1998)