Eastern Asia, China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 8 CE. A charming, rare ceramic sculpture of a bird, mold-made to be placed into a tomb. The bird is seated, with its long feathers pressed close to its back and a long tail stretched out behind him. His head is erect, with a short beak, large painted eyes, and brow ridges that create a short double crest. Beautiful pink and white feathers are painted on the neck, breast, and back; the top of the head is also painted pink, giving the bird a pheasant-like appearance. Size: 9.6" W x 3.75" H (24.4 cm x 9.5 cm)
Tomb figures like this one are part of a class of artifacts called mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. Alongside figures like this one were musicians, athletes, structures, etc. - everything that the deceased would need to recreate their living world in the afterlife. Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty often show a high level of detail and naturalism. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Caring for the po seems to have taken on a new level of meaning in the Han period, with more elaborate rituals and tomb construction arising.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-TK Oriental Antiques, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, acquired in 2001
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#149940
Condition
Small fissure on the bird's chest that appears to be a result of firing. Otherwise in nice condition with great remaining original pigment.