DISCOVERART

China

Female Musician

Tang dynasty (618–907), late 7th or early 8th century
Earthenware with polychrome pigments
13.6 × 13.4 cm (5.4 × 5.3 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

Young female musicians who hailed from oasis cities on the Silk Road in Central Asia captivated the Tang court by playing a combination of Chinese and foreign instru-ments. This ensemble features girls playing the cymbals, a vertical flute or oboe, pan-pipes, and an upright angular harp. Two musicians in the back row hold vessel-like instruments that have not been identified.

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

Female Attendant (Tomb Figurine)China; probably Shaanxi province — Female Attendant (Tomb FiFemale FigureNevers, France — Female FigureYoung WomanNevers, France — Young WomanFemale Attendant (Tomb Figurine)China; probably Shaanxi province — Female Attendant (Tomb FiFigurine of a Standing womanAncient Greek — Figurine of a Standing womanStanding BuddhaKorea — Standing BuddhaStatuette of a WomanAncient Greek — Statuette of a WomanA Goddess, possibly UmaVietnam — A Goddess, possibly UmaStanding Female FigureMichoacan — Standing Female FigureWhistle in the Form of a Standing FigureNasca — Whistle in the Form of a Standing FigureStatuette of a Seated GirlAncient Greek — Statuette of a Seated GirlStatuette of a SirenAncient Greek — Statuette of a Siren