Despite its brief duration, lasting for the rule of
only two emperors, the Sui Dynasty paved the
way for the golden age attained during the T’ang
Dynasty. Perhaps their most significant program
was the construction of the Great Canal, a
project that facilitated the movement of people
and goods across great distances, leading to the
reunification of China. However, the cost of the
Canal bankrupted the empire and ultimately led
to its dissolution. The rulers of the T’ang would
capitalize on the infrastructure improvements of
the Sui and establish one of the greatest empires
in the history of China, following the footsteps of
the Sui.
Secular sculpture of the Sui dynasty is
represented by tomb figurines that are slim and
unadorned, characterized by a yellowish crème
glazed that would be elaborated upon in the
Sancai-glazed ware of the T’ang Dynasty. These
figurines, still bearing earthen residue, exemplify
Sui tastes, as they were made specifically to
accompany their lord in the afterlife. This
stunning sculpture of a standing man bears the
physiognomy and costume of a European. His
hair is curly and his eyes are wide open. He
wears a robe that falls across his chest much like
a toga. During the Golden Age of the T’ang
Dynasty, which this Sui sculpture preceeded,
China was a vibrant, multi-cultural society where
foreign merchants lived and traded among the
native Chinese populations. It is possible that
this man represents a trader from the Byzantine
west who settled in China. Considering that this
sculpture was found inside it tomb, it is likely
that the deceased was a trader himself who
profited from dealing with his Western
counterparts. In the next life, this sculpture
would have awaited his resurrection, eager to
continue trading in the great beyond.
- (X.0363)
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