Title
Stand
Year/Period
Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Region
China
Dimension
Object size: H: 24.5,
x W: 18.5,
x D: 7.2 cm
x W: 18.5,
x D: 7.2 cm
Accession No.
1992-00446
Collection of
This green-glazed model of a robe or towel stand is 'mingqi' or burial ware. It is an example of the sophisticated range of furniture found in Ming households.The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). This glaze technology further developed during the Tang dynasty (618-906) into ‘sancai’ (‘three-colour’) glaze. It included colours such as cream, amber, brown and blue. The glaze tradition continued into the Ming period.The custom of mingqi was an ancient one. It is thought these wares were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
