Brick Relief of the Seven-Plate Dance

This pictorial brick captures a spectacular moment from a grand baixi (variety entertainment) performance nearly two thousand years ago. Three performers are depicted. At the center, a female dancer with twin buns, a cross-collared robe, and a colorful sash dances atop two drums balanced among seven inverted plates. With flowing sleeves and nimble steps, she displays remarkable balance and flexibility. On the left, another female performer stands atop a stack of twelve tables while executing an extreme backbend, demonstrating extraordinary contortion skills. On the right, a male performer presents the acrobatic art of tiaowan (ball juggling), skillfully tossing and catching three balls in continuous motion.

With its well-balanced composition and vivid sense of movement, this relief is an invaluable visual record for the study of Han Dynasty music, dance, physical performance, and everyday life.