This figurine of a plump court matron would have been part of an elaborate set of burial wares. It has the remains of black and red pigments. 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. This included colours such as cream, amber, brown and blue. This tradition of decoration continued into the Ming period. The custom of making burial wares was an ancient practice. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
