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. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot. Size: L:255mm / W:145mm ; 1.25kg Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.