Kowtowing court official, Early Tang dynasty, 7th-8th century (painted ceramic)

The male courtier is well modeled in an unusual prostrate posture of obeisance with his head slightly raised above his clasped hands, which are pierced to hold a hu tablet. His face is finely modeled with life-like features set in an intense expression. He wears a tall court hat secured by a metal hat pin, its ends visible on either side. His court robes have full sleeves and are tied around the waist with a broad sash hung in back with another sash tied in a bow that extends along his back to the pleated hem fanned out behind his shoes. The figure is painted in red, white, black and green pigments, and there are traces of gilding.