A 1,500-year-old pottery figurine of two women standing hand-in-hand has become an unexpected cultural phenomenon at Henan Province's Luoyang Museum. The Northern Wei Dynasty artifact, measuring 17 centimeters tall, depicts the pair with arms around each other and hands clasped – a pose now being recreated by hanfu-clad visitors in a modern celebration of cultural heritage.
Museum staff report increased foot traffic since the figurine went viral on Chinese social media platforms. Young women particularly resonate with the artwork's display of friendship and solidarity, often spending hours coordinating matching hanfu outfits for their photos. The trend highlights growing interest in traditional aesthetics among China's youth, with historical sites becoming backdrops for creative self-expression.
Cultural historians note the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 CE) marked significant ethnic integration along the Silk Road. The figurine's design reflects this cultural exchange, featuring elements from both Central Plains and nomadic traditions. Its sudden popularity underscores how ancient artifacts can spark contemporary conversations about identity and connection.
