Ming Dynasty Parade Horseman

£ 795.00

A finely modelled earthenware statuette of a Ming Dynasty horseman, likely part of a larger group of a parade consisting of musicians and soldiers. The horseman has the drumstick in his hand and a small drum on the side. His head is detachable, as customary for larger Ming attendant statues and there are traces of sancai-glaze on the surface of the horse and the rider. The remaining glaze can be seen on the saddle, the reins of the horse, on the sleeves and the drum of the horseman. Horse’s mane, hooves and head have traces of black pigment. The statue is set on an integral rectangular base.

Date: Circa 14th – 17th Century AD
Period: Ming Dynasty
Condition: Some minor glaze flaking on the surface, small chips and wear as expected that does not detract; otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. Minor glaze losses and earthly deposits on the surface. The head of the statue is detachable and works as an insert.

SOLD

These attendants are excellent examples of Ming Dynasty tomb pottery of this time. Terracotta moulded figures of people and animals were meant to be grave goods to be placed in tombs. It was believed that these figures would serve and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Figures of this type are called mingqi in Chinese, and usually depict servants, officials, soldiers, musicians, court attendants, dancers and, in the case of animals, horses and Bactrian camels. As in life, attendant figures are depicted standing nearby, waiting to fulfil the desires and needs of the deceased. They were lined outside the tomb before the coffin was taken inside, and then placed and arranged inside the tomb. The size and number of the figures in a grave depended on the rank of the deceased. The Ming dynasty ruled during some of China’s most renowned artistic achievements – famed, of course, for its vases, but also for works such as Shen Zhou’s ‘Lofty Mount Lu’. The arts flourished in part due to the Ming Dynasty’s economic success and prosperity.

To discover more about Chinese Ceramics, please visit our relevant blog post: Popular Styles in Chinese Ceramics.

Dimensions W 25.5 x H 28.5 cm
Region

East Asia (Far East)

Pottery

Earthenware

Glaze

Sancai Glaze