16th Century Ming Dynasty Stucco Head of an Official with Original Paint

A Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food and drinks. Created during the Ming Dynasty, this glazed terracotta funeral table, known...

A Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food in dishes. This rare Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table, dating from the 15th to 16th century, beautifully embodies the traditional Chinese practice of creating Mingqi—terracotta models meant to assist the deceased in the afterlife. This piece depicts a typical Chinese altar, adorned with green tempera glaze and meticulously crafted miniature foods, such as cakes and breads, representing offerings. The modeled and painted details give a glimpse into the customs of wealthy Chinese burials...

This piece is an example of Mingqi, items specifically crafted for burial to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The terracotta army is the most renowned example of such buria...

This Ming Dynasty painted pottery horse is depicted standing on a tiered rectangular pedestal. The horse has a well-proportioned body, with sturdy legs and a slightly arched neck. The eyes and muzzle are subtly outlined and incised. The mane is sculpted with deep, parallel grooves. The tail is long and slightly curved left, extending downward. The saddle is prominently featured at the center of the horse’s back, detailed with a raised, rounded seat and an attached stirrup hanging down one side. The saddlecloth is textured with a crosshatch pattern, bordered by a row of carved fringe-like elements. The horse's legs display subtle musculature, and the hooves are clearly defined, with black pigment accentuating their edges. The original painted pigments, including white, black, and ochre, are still visible, though faded in some areas. The black pigment highlights the mane, tail, and parts of the bridle, while the ochre tones accentuate the saddle and decorative elements. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse (Type : Closely Related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...