Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Pedestal with Polychrome Finish

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...

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 Chinese Ming Dynasty period miniature terracotta armoire with green glazed finish and bracket feet. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), this exquisite miniature...

A Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the 17th century, this Ming Dynasty perio...

Extremely rare Chinese model of a countryside villa for the royal courtiers and ministries of the Ming Dynasty -1368-1644 AD- showing three guest houses and one main entry. The villa is surrounded by a cuadrangular wall painted with bucolic scenes of garden, mountains, and bamboo forests. The roof tiles are glazed in green enamel with yellow finials – as the ones in the forbidden city – typical from the Ming epoch. Truly a museum piece. The doors swivel and are painted in ochre. State of preservation: impeccable mint condition with original paintings, all of the original parts are complete, except for one house which is missing part of the plinth (broken during transport). Each part has been tested for authenticity, consisting of eight separate TL tests...

Two finely hollow-moulded terracotta statuettes from ancient China, dating to the Ming Dynasty. The figure is depicted standing, dressed in long, flowing robes, painted in vibrant blue or green and deep amber yellow. The hair is styled into an elaborate top-knot, painted in a muted brown. Areas left unpainted would have been 'cold-painted' after firing, contrasting with the vivid fired blue or green and amber pigments. The figure is shown with the left hand raised to the chest, as if holding something, possibly an offering or incense. Figurines like this were placed in tombs to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The Ming Dynasty was known for its exceptional artistic achievements, partly due to its economic prosperity. Since the Han Dynasty, it was customary to bury terracotta miniatures of everyday objects with the deceased. These items, known as mingqi, or "spirit utensils" and "vessels for ghosts," were believed to help and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi were crafted in the form of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of houses, temples, furniture, and other items. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figures were also popular, designed to assist, entertain, and recreate the living world for the deceased. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green/blue-glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Ancient & Oriental - Terracotta Tomb Attendants (Type : Highly related) 2) La Maison De La Petite Sara S.r.l. - Archaeology section - A Black glazed Terracotta Statuette, Servant with Trumpet, Ming Dynasty (Price realised : 700 GBP / Type : Highly 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...

The first figure wears a short cap and takes a posture as if carrying something on the shoulder, possibly symbolizing a servant or a messenger. The second figure wears a tall hat and...

The three figurines in the back exhibit the typical form of attendants, wearing conical red hats and adopting poses where their right hands are either held in front of their chests o...