Empress Hanfu

Figurine of a Chinese woman in traditional attire.

In this white clay sculpture, the costume becomes almost like a second skin. The hanfu, worn by the Han people prior to the Qing Dynasty, envelops the female figure, lending her a ceremonial air.

The face captivates through its understated simplicity. The hairstyle, swept up into a bun and adorned with pins and stones, elevates the figurine into a true portrait. The intricate details of the ornamentation extend the craftsmanship of the material, giving the piece a precious quality.

A work to be appreciated both a s a figurative sculpture and as a fragment of the history of dress, a blend of Chinese art, portraiture, and artisanal craftsmanship.