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Duldur-Aqur: Heavenly Musician
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Duldur-Aqur: Heavenly Musician
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; 6th–7th century; Wood; H: 12.3 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
The sculpture was discovered in 1907, at a time when there was intense archaeological exploration in Central Asia.
The statue was originally painted and gilded. The heavenly musician stands against a pillar and plays a pear-shaped lute that is held upside down. The figure's left leg is bent and supports the neck of the instrument while the strings are plucked by a plektron held in the right hand. Wearing a headdress, jewelry, and a double-layered skirt, the heavenly musican's garment extends to thigh level and has a bordered hem. An inner skirt clusters tightly about the figure's ankles. |
