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Military Official

Asian Art

This highly stylistic tomb figurine of the Northern Wei dynasty (B.C. 386–535) was molded in a flat, two-dimensional form with incised details. This figure can be identified as a military official by its distinctive costume, which consists of a small cap worn at the front of the head, a short leather breastplate fastened with two straps buckled at the shoulders over a long-sleeved robe undergarment, and trousers tied just below the knee and draped to the floor, revealing the tips of the shoes.

MEDIUM Gray pottery with white slip and traces of red pigment
  • Place Made: China
  • DATES early 6th century
    DYNASTY Northern Wei Dynasty
    PERIOD North Wei Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 81.290.5
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Boris Kroll
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Military Official, early 6th century. Gray pottery with white slip and traces of red pigment, 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Boris Kroll, 81.290.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 81.290.5_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 81.290.5_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Military Official</em>, early 6th century. Gray pottery with white slip and traces of red pigment, 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Boris Kroll, 81.290.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 81.290.5_bw.jpg)

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