彩绘黑人男立俑（两件）（汉英对照）

Coloured Tomb Figures of African Men (2 pieces)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Tang Dynasty, Fourth Year of Dazhong Reign Period, Emperor Xuanzong (850 AD)

Height: 14.7-15cm

Excavated 1948, from the bomb of a young lady surnamed Pei, Jiali Village, Chang’an County, Shaanxi Province

These two tomb figures are modeled in the form of Africans. They have dark skin, curly hair, prominent eyebrow ridges and full, broad lips. One figure wears a long robe with crossed lapels and full sleeves which taper to the cuffs. The hem of the robe is lifted and tied at the waist. The figure’s arms hang at his sides and his fists are tightly clenched. The second figure has a naked torso, raised shoulders and protruding belly. His eyes are fixed in a stare, the white gleaming bright. His chest muscles bulge. Below, he wears a pair of shorts, and stands with legs astride, his left arm hanging at his side, his right hand supporting his belly. His bare feet stand firm upon the ground. In all, the powerful physique radiates a sense of strength and vigour.

The two figures have been modeled in a vivid and true to life manner: the artist has captured perfectly the physical appearance of the two men, endowing them with a bold and forthright spirit. The unearthing of the two figures illustrates the extent to which the Tang desire for greater contact with other cultures: not only did the Tang strengthen ties with countries in Central and Western Asia and Europe, but its influence even extended to Africa. These colour-painted figures provide concrete evidence of the friendly relations existing between China and Africa.

The tomb is that of a young lad surnamed Pei, whose childhood name was Tai. She was the granddaughter of Pei Jun, a descendant of Pei Xingjian, who lived at the time of Emperor Gaozong (reigned 649-683 AD). Pei Xingjian was talented both in civil and military affairs, and had been concurrently appointed as Minister of Rites and Acting Grand General of the Right Guard. He once led some 300,000 troops to attack the Tujue, or Turks, inflicting a massive defeat on them at Heishan (in present-day Shaanxi Province).