Large 15th/16th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty Tomb Figures - a Pair

Description

A pair of large antique Chinese polychrome ceramic attendants, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Outstanding 500+ year old Sancai glazed earthenware pottery … more A pair of large antique Chinese polychrome ceramic attendants, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Outstanding 500+ year old Sancai glazed earthenware pottery tomb figures, exceptionally executed figural form, exquisitely detailed, one holding a teapot, the other holding a charger, rising on rare concave side plinth base.

Dimensions: (approx)
13.25" Tall, 5" Wide, 4.5" Deep (each)

Condition Report:
Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition. Present well. Desirable crazing to glaze. Rubbing to polychrome details on heads of both, surface wear on both commensurate with age, handling, and exposure.

About Ming Tomb figures:
Tomb figures, also known as mingqi, were funerary objects placed in tombs during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China. These figures were made of clay, wood, or bronze, and were intended to provide the deceased with companionship, entertainment, and protection in the afterlife. They included statues of people, animals, and mythical creatures, as well as models of houses, furniture, and other objects. These figures were typically painted or glazed, and were often buried with the deceased in their tombs. The production of mingqi was a significant industry during the Ming Dynasty, and many skilled artisans were employed to create these objects.

The number of tomb figures, or mingqi, placed in a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) tomb varied depending on the wealth and status of the individual being buried. Elite tombs, such as those of emperors and high-ranking officials, could have hundreds or even thousands of mingqi, while the tombs of commoners might have only a few.

The quantity of mingqi in a tomb also varied depending on the time period and location. For example, tombs from the early Ming period (1368-1425) were typically larger and contained more mingqi than those from the late Ming period (1550-1644) which were smaller. Additionally, tombs from the southern regions of China tended to have more mingqi than those from the north.

In general, it is believed that the purpose of the mingqi was not only to provide the deceased with companionship, entertainment, and protection in the afterlife, but also to demonstrate the wealth and status of the individual during their lifetime.

The size of Ming Dynasty tomb figures, or mingqi, varied depending on the type of object and the wealth and status of the individual for whom it was made. Some of the largest mingqi were statues of people and animals, which were typically several feet tall.

For example, the largest known Ming tomb figure is a clay statue of a horse, which is over 3 meters tall and 4 meters long, and was discovered in the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, who ruled from 1403 to 1424. Other large mingqi include statues of warriors, officials, and guardians, which are typically several feet tall. Additionally, there are large pottery figures of military units, musicians, and even a complete kitchen with all the utensils, which were also intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

It's worth noting that many of these large figures have been discovered in tombs of emperors and high-ranking officials, indicating that they were commissioned by those who could afford it and were intended to demonstrate their wealth and status even in the afterlife. less