Title
Figure of entertainer
Year/Period
Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)
Region
China
Dimension
Object size: H: 9.0,
x W: 5.2,
x D: 4.6 cm
x W: 5.2,
x D: 4.6 cm
Accession No.
1994-05391
Collection of
This lead-glazed kneeling figure made of red earthenware served as burial ware or ‘mingqi'. Musicians, dancers, singers were all part of the larger group of entertainers who participated in Han funerals as well as feasts.The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty and it continued into the Ming period (1368-1644). The custom of burying objects with the deceased stems from the belief in life after death.
