A group of three glazed terracotta musician figures, depicting a central performer holding a looped wind instrument accompanied by two attendant musicians. Each figure stands on a rectangular base and is covered with richly applied green and blue glazes. Such figural representations of musicians are comparatively uncommon, making this ensemble particularly notable within its category.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green and Blue glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in early 2000s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) V&A Museum - Accession number C.1501913
(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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Furniture