Medium: Glazed Terracotta

Dimensions: Length: 240mm; Width: 80mm; Weight: 580g

Condition: Good condition

Description:
Dating to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), this striking terracotta figure represents a tomb attendant, a class of funerary artifacts known as "mingqi" or "spirit utensils." The standing warrior is depicted in a serene yet authoritative pose, wearing a long draping gown in vibrant cobalt and turquoise blue glaze. He is adorned with heavy boots and a conical hat with a thick brim, signifying his role and status.

The warrior holds a maze in each hand, symbolizing his readiness to protect and serve in the afterlife. His face, detailed with open eyes and a gentle smile, exudes calmness and naturalism, hallmarks of the Ming period's artistic style. These figurines were believed to assist the ‘po’, the soul remaining with the body, while the ‘hun’, the ascending soul, moved on to the afterlife.

Hundreds of such figurines were commonly placed in tombs during the Ming Dynasty, arranged in ceremonial processions alongside personal effects of the deceased such as books, clothing, and paintings. This piece showcases exceptional detail and craftsmanship, making it a valuable representation of Ming funerary art.

Provenance:

• Acquired from the private collection of a Somerset gentleman.
• Previously part of an Old British collection, formed in the 1990s from the UK/European art market.

For more insights into the art and culture of the Ming Dynasty, see the Department of Asian Art (2000). "Ming Dynasty". In the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Met Museum).