Birgit Kristensen, Han-kriger, genbesøgt. Unique Earthenware figurine (BK166)
15,5 x 7 cm
Earthenware figurine with detacheable head!
These unique ceramic works are deceiving. At first they look like traditional ceramic pieces from some indeterminate archaic era. In fact these glazed and lustered earthenware figures evokes a long history of decorative arts – even if their sloppy-looking construction defiantly embraces a more lowly vocabulary.
In ancient times, chinese artists where commissioned to make statues with detachable heads. In fact, if a sculpture (of a hero, eminent person, or ruler) loses its name, honor, or dies, the head is easily removed and replaced by a new hero, better-known person, or a new ruler.
Narrative and the retelling of stories is at the centre of these new works. Studied closely the interchangeable heads on these new figures have intriguing narratives Additional heads illustrate the metamorphosis of the character
