Two Tang Dynasty Chinese Mingqi Terracotta Pottery Figures Soldiers Warriors

Description

View Two Tang Dynasty Chinese Mingqi Terracotta Pottery Figures Soldiers Warriors with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Mingqi were intended to appease and comfort the po. The quantity, quality, and size of these objects often indicated the social standing and wealth of the deceased. Set of two hollow-molded Chinese terracotta soldiers from the Tang Dynasty period. Both figures are seen standing in guardian positions with one fist at their side and the other across their chest. They are wearing hooded tunics with the typical decorated chest plates, the normal military attire of that period. Figure 1 has a hole that pierces through its hand, suggesting that the figure held a weapon of some sort. Dimensions - Figure 1: 11.75" x 3.5"  Figure 2: 12" x 3.5" These two statues are examples of tomb figures that benefited the recently deceased. It was believed that the figures would manifest and serve the deceased in the afterlife. In Chinese, these figures are known as 'mingqi'. Mingqi translated as  "spirit goods" or "vessels for ghosts," are Chinese funerary objects specifically crafted to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These items were placed in tombs to provide the dead with the same comforts and necessities they enjoyed while living, reflecting the belief that the afterlife was an extension of the earthly world. Mingqi emerged as a humane alternative to the ancient practice of human and animal sacrifice. Instead of burying real servants or livestock, families used life-like replicas.   According to traditional Chinese belief, a person has two souls: the po (which remains in the tomb with the body) and the hun (which ascends to heaven). Mingqi were intended to appease and comfort the po. The quantity, quality, and size of these objects often indicated the social standing and wealth of the deceased. Common Types of Mingqi are figures: Replicas of servants, musicians, dancers, soldiers, and officials to serve and entertain the deceased, animals: Common representations include horses, camels (especially during the Tang Dynasty), dogs, pigs, and mythical guardians, and architectural models: Miniature versions of courtyard houses, multi-storied watchtowers, granaries, wells, and stoves. Condition: Worn by age. Most pigment lost from time and burial. Some flaking has occurred on both figures. Figure 2 has two voids on the backside and one under the left hand. Some wear and discoloration on noses, chest, and hands, possibly from lying face down. See photos.. Category: Antiques › Asian Antiques › China › Figurines & Statues.

Primary Material

Terracotta

Color

Beige

Chinese Dynasty

Tang (618-907)

Theme

Warrior, Tang Dynasty, Terracotta Sculpture

Region of Origin

China

Age

Pre-1800

Country of Origin

China