India (Tamil Nadu), Chola period, circa late 11th century CE. MMA item no 1987.80.1
[This has nothing to do with Chinese culture, but this is a classic case where, without any background, the image is simply impressive, but with a little background it becomes overwhelming. The background here is that Shiva is not just dancing, but treading down on evil and, literally, offering up a foot for human beings to hold onto. In other words, it is a salvation icon!]