Paper short abstract:

This paper examines Tang dynasty (618-907) falconer figurines placed in tombs, including their methods of production, stylistic variations, geographic spread, placement, and details of costume and dress.

Paper long abstract:

During the Tang dynasty (618-907), sculptures of attendants and animals were placed in elite tombs designed to replicate mansions and palaces to be populated by the spirit of the deceased. Made of unglazed and glazed clay, these figures worked in tandem with the tomb's pictorial and architectural components to articulate space within and around the deceased's residence and create a pleasant afterlife full of activities for the him/her to enjoy. Among the retinue of human figurines, which include somber officials, accommodating attendants, exotic foreigners, and chic court ladies, are a group of sculptures that depict mounted and unmounted falconers posed with a bird of prey on their arm. This paper will survey and analyze the variety of types of Tang falconer figurines, including their methods of production, stylistic variations, geographic spread, placement in the tomb, and details of costume and dress. Supplementing this information with other visual and textual materials, it will then discuss who is most commonly depicted and what types of birds of prey were used.