Figurines of this type would have been placed in the tomb of the deceased to lead their way into the afterlife. They are called mingqi (冥器) in Chinese and usually depict servants and court attendants, soldiers, musicians and dancers, and different animals. Grave goods were an important status symbol in ancient China, and a large number of attendants have been found in ancient Chinese tombs. As in life, attendant figures are depicted standing nearby, waiting to fulfil the desires of the deceased. Details that were red in colour, such as the feet and head band, would have been ‘cold-painted’ after firing to contrast with vivid blue glaze. The rich blue and vivid turquoise colours on these figures are reminiscent of ‘Fahua ware’ figurines and pottery. Fahua ware refers to a colour palette used for decoration, which includes deep blue, turquoise, purple, yellow, and green.
To discover more about Chinese terracotta statuettes, please visit our relevant collection page: Terracotta Tomb Attendants.
