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A sancai glazed pottery model of a table of offerings, Ming…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
15-Nov-2018
Lot No.
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Description:
A sancai glazed pottery model of a table of offerings, Ming dynasty, 21 x 21 x 16 cm, China has a long history of interning funereal goods dating back as early as Neolithic times (about 5000 BC). Burial customs have changed over time as the Chinese society and beliefs change. The emphasis of the custom has shifted from communication between this world and the next in Neolithic cultures, to continuing the lavish lifestyle on earth to the afterlife during the Tang dynasty. . As noted by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, in their Art Gallery Handbook of 1999, 'pottery models of buildings, horses and other animals, military personnel, servants and courtiers were made to furnish the tombs of rulers and royalty in early China. Thus endowed, the tomb became a replica of the deceased's life on earth. pottery facsimiles or 'mingqi' have become the most illustrative and evocative images of life in ancient China, as well as a poignant demonstration of the Chinese belief in the afterlife. The production of these pottery models stimulated one of China's most distinctive and unique artistic traditions, which flourished during the Han and Tang dynasties.' . During the Ming dynasty however, the custom of construction of an afterlife paved way for the performance of sacrificial rituals. This is evinced by burial objects excavated from some of the Ming tombs, which included miniaturised incense burners, candle stands, flower vessels, and alters of sacrifice such as the present lot. Decorated with foodstuffs including all manner of buns and animal heads, the laden altar would allow the deceased to continue their worship into the afterlife
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified