【Historical Reference Artifacts】:

China Tang DynastyMural from the Tomb of Consort Yan(609–671)——《Musicians Scene & Paired Female Dancers /燕妃墓乐舞图》

The tomb is located in Dongping Village, Yanxia Township, Liquan County, approximately 2 kilometers northwest of Zhao Mausoleum. The front section of the tomb was destroyed in earlier years. In 1990, after a case of tomb robbery, archaeologists carried out a brief cleaning of the remaining open areas in the rear section of the tomb and collected dozens of mural fragments. Among them, the Music and Dance Scenes and the Twelve-Panel Paintings are considered exceptionally fine examples of Tang-dynasty tomb murals. On the east wall of the burial chamber, the southern section features the “Musicians Scene”, while the northern section contains the “Paired Female Dancers”—both masterpieces that vividly reflect the high level of musical and choreographic development during that period.

The “Musicians Scene” (Figures 1–4) depicts a performance by a “standing orchestra” (libuji). The composition employs a flat, two-dimensional horizontal arrangement, yet the postures of the figures show no repetition. Four court performers stand in full ceremonial attire, each with a different hairstyle. Three face sideways while one faces forward; three wear performance costumes with hairstyles such as the “Flying Celestial Bun” and the “Double-Ring Bun,” adorned with floral crowns. From left to right: one plays the dongxiao (flute), and one plays the pipa . To the right stands a court lady, smiling as she watches. Her clothing is plain and unadorned; her hair is tied simply in a high bun. She holds no instrument and stands with empty hands—appearing either as an attendant captivated by the performance or as a dancer preparing to go on stage.

In contrast to the serenity of the “Musicians Scene,” the “Paired Female Dancers” (Figure 5) on the northern section of the east wall is full of movement. The composition is symmetrical and balanced, with vibrant colors. The two dancers have sweet facial expressions, wear large coiffures decorated with ornate golden hair ornaments, and are dressed in flowing wide-sleeved robes. Their bodies tilt dynamically as they dance, with ribbons swirling gracefully around them. The headdress pendants, fluttering sashes, and the decorative striped skirts swaying left and right all convey a vivid sense of rhythm and motion.

---------------

💄Styling: @古卷

📸Photography: @古卷

💻Post-production: @摄影师 韩超（拍摄 器材）

🔗Xiaohongshu App：https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/67d0543e0000000029029a23?xsec_token=ABHoQ0gO6lAJC25dm1QoHx9Kx9m0Ky_kjocnAywHeKyDU=&xsec_source=pc_search&source=unknown