Chinese Art - Sui Dynasty by Barakat Gallery

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Chinese Art Sui Dynasty 581 AD - 618 AD

Sui Dynasty Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the way for the golden age attained during the Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ang Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program was the construction of the Great Canal, a project that facilitated the movement of people and goods across great distances, leading to the reunification of China. However, the cost of the Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led to its dissolution. The rulers of the Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ang would capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires in the history of China, following the footsteps of the Sui.

S u i S et o f a M ilitary O fficial and Tw o Tomb Guardians

H.030 Origin: China Circa: 581 AD to 618 AD Dimensions: 15.375" (39.1cm) high x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide

Collection: Chinese Medium: Glazed Terracotta Location: United States

This set of one military official and two tomb guardian warriors, zhenmuyong in Chinese, typifies Sui period style which is characterized by the use of "straw colored" glaze over white pottery. Though dressed in military attire typical of the period, the tomb guardian warriors differ from ordinary soldiers by their exaggerated facial expressions which suit the purpose to fend off evil from the burial site. The kuxi ensemble of long-sleeved tunic and tied and pleated pants is covered by liangdang armour; an apron-like leather shield belted at the waist and buttoned over the shoulders. Upturned shoes and a fitted cap complete the ceremonial costume, which was probably modelled on that of palace guards rather than actual combat soldiers. The grimacing faces, with wrinkeled brow and large noses, suggest foreign status. This element is also present in the military officer whose broad nose, high cheekbones and narrow inset eyes also differ from typical Han Chinese features. The military officer wears ornate helmet that forms a conical peak and covers the crown, forehead, and ears with mail draping over the shoulders. The officer's outer chest armour is decorated with images of mythical beasts and tigers in relief on the shoulders, collar and chest plates. Also wearing a two piece ensemble tied at the waist, the officer sports buffon-like pantalons tied at the ankles over boots to facilitate battle readiness. These superb Sui pieces enhance any collection of Chinese art. - (H.030)

Sui Glazed Figure of a Horse and Rider

H.031 Origin: China Circa: 581 AD to 618 AD Dimensions: 14" (35.6cm) high x 11" (27.9cm) wide

Collection: Chinese Medium: Glazed Terracotta Location: United States

The chunky body, movement, and style of the horse characterizes Sui dynasty representations of the horse. There is a tendency toward naturalistic portrayals of the horse's structure and pose. The mane, ears, and face are moulded in detail--even the muscular striations in the face are shown. The horse leans backward with rounded hindquarters and hind legs slightly bent. The lady rider is gently modelled holding reins in hand and extending legs into the foot harness. Her delicate facial features and the soft lines in her body and clothing indicate her privileged position among the elite of society. Both figures are moulded from one piece and are covered with "straw colored" glaze--the horse bearing traces of pigmentation in the hooves. The Sui and Tang era was one of enlightened religious tolerance, expanded foreign trade, peaceful political rule, and curiosity about and exchange of ideas with peoples beyond China's own borders. In this context, Chinese art and culture were receptive to change and innovation, which brought the already well-established foundations of their civilization to new levels of refinement and sophistication. The changes of sculptural form and style evident in this piece which was designed to fulfill a purpose in the ancient Chinese burial practice convey the dynamism of this persevering tradition. - (H.031)

S u i P a i r o f a P a l a c e G u a r d i a n a n d a n O ff i c i a l

H.046c Origin: China Circa: 581 AD to 618 AD Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide

Collection: Chinese Style: Sui Dynasty Medium: Glazed Terracotta Location: United States

Pottery figurines of the Sui Dynasty are characterized by the use of "straw" colored glaze and white pottery. This set exemplifies period production as well as subject matter. Depicting a standing soldier and court official, these figurines provide a glimpse of the complex world of Chinese burial art. Both figurines bear characteristics that appear to blend attributes of standard subjects. The soldier's suspecting eyes, sly grin and gross features liken him to an evil detecting tomb guardian yet his attire of a knee length tunic protruded by a comb patterned underskirt and tucked trousers or high boots gives him the appearance of a lower ranking foot soldier. A tight cap which rises in the center fits tightly around his head framing his incaptivating expression. Likewise, the accompanying figurine blends characteristics of a court functionnaire or a religious teacher. He appears contemplative, if not meditative, as he humbly holds an emblem of office. His mitre-like cap resembles those of Tibetan Lama priests and his long tunic covered by an unadorned cape and worn over a longer under garment reminds one of monastic attire. The subject of tomb figures is closely linked with Chinese religion and philosophy. The tomb signified a gate to the afterlife or a meeting place of the two worlds. Pottery figurines replaced the Eastern Zhou tradition of interring live persons, animals and actual objects. - (H.046c)

A P air o f a M ilitar y O ff icer an d a C iv il O ff icial

H.522 Origin: China Circa: 581 AD to 618 AD Dimensions: 16" (40.6cm) high

Catalogue: V17 Collection: Chinese Art Medium: Glazed Terracotta Location: UAE

Throughout Chinese history, the military officer and civil official had been among the most idealized personages of Chinese society. Often in conflict with one another as they vied for supremacy, the military officer and civil official became the object of scrutiny or praise for philosophers and artists, as characterizations of them figured prominently in parables and visual representations of social life. These figures of the Sui Dynasty provide an accurate representation of the popular imaginations about these two archetypes. The military officers stands strong, heavily clad in protective garment with hands clenched as if attached to weapons. His ferocious face, protruding demon- like eyes, flared nostrils, and lips pulled back to reveal clenched teeth are indicative of prowess, enabling him to intimidate his foe. On the other hand, the scholarly civil official is a paragon of moral virtue and wisdom. His features are soft, rounded somewhat feminine accentuated by flowing silk robes draped over his body. He glows with equanimity--a sure sign of his benevolence in governing and supreme understanding of right and wrong. Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is represented by tomb figurines that are slim and unadorned. These figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify Sui tastes, as they too were made to accompany their lord in the afterlife. Abounded with the virtue of loyalty, the military officer and civil official lived to serve their master--a loyalty that did not end in this life but rather carried on into life after death. - (H.522)

Sculpture of a Camel

H.723 Origin: China Circa: 581 AD to 618 AD Dimensions: 13.25" (33.7cm) high

Collection: Chinese Medium: Glazed Terracotta Location: Great Britain

The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its merit in dangerous places; it has a secret understanding of springs and sources, subtle indeed is its knowledge. -Guo Pu, 3rd Century AD Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits through trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into the heart of China. However, the dusty trails of the Silk Road were an arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia that could only be traversed by the two humped Bactrian camel. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. Camels were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art created in an ancient Chinese custom specifically for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their needs in the afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this crĂ¨me-glazed sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works, despite the facts that they were not intended to be viewed by the living. Most remarkable, this work still retains some of its original painted pigment, including red highlights on his ears and mouth, which heighten the naturalism. This majestic sculpture reveals Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to their prosperity. - (H.723)