This painted earthenware mask dates to around 900 CE, during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), a period renowned for its artistic innovation and cultural richness. Made from clay and meticulously painted with pigments, the mask reflects the Tang fascination with realism, beauty, and expressive detail. Its serene facial features, slightly smiling lips, and delicately rendered eyes suggest a focus on individuality and elegance, common in Tang artistic conventions.

Such masks were often used in funerary practices to honor the deceased or in theatrical performances, embodying the interplay between ritual, performance, and aesthetic appreciation. The traces of pigment and subtle modeling reveal the technical skill of Tang artisans, highlighting their ability to combine lifelike representation with symbolic meaning. This mask offers a glimpse into the Tang Dynasty’s sophisticated visual culture, blending artistry, spirituality, and daily life.

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