16th Century Ming Dynasty Terracotta Statuette of Woman Holding a Food Box

Description

This remarkable terracotta Ming lady comes from China, where she was made in the 15th-16th century. Despite her 500 years … more This remarkable terracotta Ming lady comes from China, where she was made in the 15th-16th century. Despite her 500 years of existence, this handsome statuette preserved most of her original colors. The round face displays a Tang model, a common inspiration during the Ming dynasty. (The Tang dynasty preceded the Ming dynasty by 400 years.) The clothes and the hairstyle are carved with a great attention to detail, which allows us to admire the characteristic style of this Chinese period. The lady holds a food box, which emphasizes her mingqi function as a terracotta servant for the deceased. This stunning and rare statuette, circa 1500 would be an uncommon decorative item in most homes, and would be a tremendous conversation starter. less