DISCOVERART

China

Seated Girl Holding Mirror

Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century
Earthenware with three-color (sancai) lead glazes and traces of pigments
28.5 × 11 cm (11.2 × 4.3 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 131

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This young girl with braided pigtails gazing into a hand-mirror reflects life in a sophis-ticated and fashion-conscious Tang court. She may be applying cosmetics, which included mineral pigments that were im-ported from Persia (now Iran) and Central Asia. She sits upon round, waisted stools that were a new furniture style for the time.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by China

Spinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkPair of Hall ChairsPair of Hall ChairsPicturePictureSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkCouch-BedCouch-BedDish with Peaches and BatsDish with Peaches and BatsSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing Silk

More like this

Young WomanNevers, France — Young WomanGirlNevers, France — GirlFemale FigureNevers, France — Female FigureMan with Arms Crossed in FrontNevers, France — Man with Arms Crossed in FrontFigurine of a Standing womanAncient Greek — Figurine of a Standing womanManNevers, France — ManFigurine of a Standing womanAncient Greek — Figurine of a Standing womanShepherdNevers, France — ShepherdFigurine of a Man or ChildAncient Greek — Figurine of a Man or ChildFemale Attendant (Tomb Figurine)China; probably Shaanxi province — Female Attendant (Tomb FiWoman Holding a ChaliceNevers, France — Woman Holding a ChaliceStanding BuddhaKorea — Standing Buddha