Jin Dynasty Terracotta Brick with Dancer Figure

Jin Dynasty, c. 1115–1234 AD, Shanxi Province, China

A finely modeled and rare grey terracotta brick from the Jin Dynasty, depicting a lively festive dancer. The unglazed tile presents a rectangular, full-body portrait of a woman, possibly an actress, dressed in voluminous robes tied with an elaborate belt and crowned with ornate headgear. Her poised stance captures the grace and vitality of theatrical performance, a central feature of Jin Dynasty entertainment.

The Jin, originally Jurchen tribesmen from Manchuria, rose to power in the 12th century after defeating both the Mongolic Liao and the Northern Song. They ruled northern China, adopted Chinese traditions, and presided over a period of political stability in which the arts, particularly music and theater, flourished. Although the dynasty lasted just over a century, their tomb art offers a vivid glimpse into this cultural richness.

In southern Shanxi Province, more than one hundred Jin tombs have been excavated since the mid-20th century, many decorated with painted and carved bricks. These bricks often depict musicians, dancers, and actors, shaped in relief or modeled in three dimensions. The abundance of such imagery reflects the popularity of theatrical entertainments at the time. This example, featuring a dancer, belongs to that remarkable tradition of tomb decoration and remains a testament to the artistry and cultural vibrancy of the Jin Dynasty.

Excellent condition. Intact. No restorations. Small chips to the periphery of the brick. There are small traces of the original pigments. Mineral encrustation, soil and dust. Size approx. 29,0cm x 14,5cm x 5,7cm.

Provenance: British private collection; acquired abroad and imported into England during the 1960s.

For a similar example see:

a closely matching tile, showing the same dancer motif, in the Shanxi Museum / China Institute publication Theater, Life and the Afterlife, ISBN 978-7-03-032940-0.

References and further reading:

Theater, Life, & The Afterlife: Tomb Décor Of The Jin Dynasty From Shanxi, Shi Jinming & Willow Weilan Hai Chang, Hai Weilan Paperback, 172 Pages, Published 2012 by Science Press