Set of Five Sancai Female Attendant Figures

Molded of earthenware, this set of five petite sculptures are a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Meant to depict the pleasures of daily life, common burial figures were warriors, dancers, male and female figures and animals. These míngqìs depict court ladies wearing flowing robes with their hair pulled up into an elaborate coiffure. The sculptures are coated with green and yellow glaze which have now weathered from age, revealing the original ceramic form.