Sleeve-dancer
Sleeve-dancer
Porcelain figure of a dancer with elongated sleeves.
Sleeve-dancer
Sleeve-dancer
Sleeve-dancer
Porcelain figure of a dancer with elongated sleeves.
Sleeve-dancer

Currently not on view

Princeton Collects

Sleeve-dancer

Chinese
Western Han dynasty, 206 BCE–9 CE
2022-354
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More Context

<p> Han dynasty nobles were buried alongside diminutive ceramic sculptures of humans and animals. These figures, meant to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, included a wide variety of types: military officers mounted on their steeds, servants, musicians, and dancers. Sleeve-dancers were a favorite theme and reflect the popularity of the art form, which can be traced to the Warring States period (ca. 470–221 BCE). Originally coated with white slip and delicately colored, this dancer is shown midperformance. Head bowed, she trails one arm behind her while preparing to unfurl the silk sleeves of the other. Her graceful movements share an affinity with the sweeping brushstrokes in Willem de Kooning’s <em>Woman II</em>, on display to the left. </p>

More About This Object

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Information

Title
Sleeve-dancer
Medium
Earthenware with pigments
Dimensions
h. 40.6 cm (16 in.) on mount: 43.2 × 27.9 × 30.5 cm (17 × 11 × 12 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen, Class of 1950, and Margit Cotsen
Object Number
2022-354
Place Made

Asia, China

Culture
Chinese
Period
Western Han
Type
figurines, ceramics
Materials
earthenware, pigment
Subject
dancers

Purchased by Lloyd E. Cotsen (1929–2017), Class of 1950, and James Lally at [Sotheby’s, New York, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, March 23, 2004, sale 7974, lot 594], this Sleeve Dancer selected by Lloyd E. Cotsen after a coin toss, with the remaining two figures acquired by James Lally; collection of Lloyd E. Cotsen and Margit Cotsen, 2004–2022; gifted to the Princeton University Art Museum, 2022.

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The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.

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