Accession Number2008/2.281
TitlePair of Chests
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1368-1644Medium & Supportglaze on earthenwareDimensions 4 1/4 in x 5 in (10.8 cm x 12.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jiu-Hwa Lo UpshurSubject matterS
ancai (三彩), or "three-color ware",
mingqi (冥器) ("funerary goods") storage chests of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
This type of earthenware figure was mass produced in low-temperature fired kilns to be buried with the deceased as a type
mingqi or “bright object.” Mingqi were made to supply the tomb occupant with everything they would need for the afterlife, and reflect the lifestyle and time in which the deceased lived. During the Ming dynasty, these were manufactured with a three-color glaze palette similar to
sancai ware of the Tang dynasty, but could include new colors such as aubergine and turquoise in addition to the green, amber, cream, and cobalt typically associated with
sancai.
Since the Qin dynasty (221 - 206 BCE), ceramic figures have been used to replace human sacrifice in burial practices as
mingqi as a way to provide for the deceased.
Mingqi could include houses, towers, gates, granaries, livestock pens, chicken coops, wells, cooking stoves, storage vessels, dishes, incense burners, and lamps. Figures could include horses, dogs, anthropomorphic animals and people, such as officials, guardians, servants, and entertainers. By the Han dynasty, they also included representations of common people engaged in the activities that consumed their daily lives, such a cooking. The tombs in southern provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi have revealed a vast array of figures in playful and humorous poses. As grave goods, these
mingqi included everything one would need to ensure a comfortable transition into the afterlife. The number of ceramic
mingqi items in a tomb could reach numbers of a few to several hundred objects.
Physical DescriptionA pair of green glazed rectangular chests on amber glazed dais, with amber central locks and handles on opposing sides.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object Typefunerary sculptureCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Sancai (Chinese ceramics style)
ceramic (material)
chests (case furniture)
earthenware
grave goods
lead glaze
stoneware (pottery)
three-color ware (Chinese ware)