Sleeve-dancer

<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>