Artwork preview

Male Palace Attendant

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The artwork, by an unknown artist titled "Male Palace Attendant," depicts a standing figure. The figure is shown from the front, facing forward and slightly to the right. The figure has a head with a bun on top and a long, thin face with a subtle smile. The figure's hair is styled up, with earrings hanging from both ears. The figure wears a long dress with a V-neckline and a belt around the waist; the dress appears to be painted with faded red and black. The figure's left arm hangs down by its side, with the hand positioned near the thigh; the right arm is also down by the side but is mostly obscured by the dress. The figure appears to be made of wood and shows signs of aging and wear. The background is a gradient that transitions from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom. The figure casts a shadow to the right.

Artwork Details

Date
early 6th century
Medium
Earthenware with traces of pigment over white slip
Culture
China
Dimensions
468 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette