Foreign Envoy from an Imperial Tomb

Like the sculpture to the left, this imposing figure once formed part of a Spirit Way leading to a tomb of a prince or another member of the imperial clan. When the figures arrived at the V&A they were described as Korean, since Korean noblemen wore similar wide-brimmed horsehair hats. However, the combination of Korean headwear with Chinese robes is not known elsewhere, so instead the official probably represents a generic foreign envoy and is shown presenting a casket that might be a container for a gift or document. His robes are carefully carved to represent cloud-patterned silk and the square badge of rank on his back bears a qilin.