Title
Miniature horse
Year/Period
Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Region
China
Dimension
Object size: 28 x 32 cm
Accession No.
C-1488
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Philips Petroleum Singapore Chemical
This figure of a horse with a saddle have been painted with a ‘sancai’ (three-colour) glaze of brown, yellow and green. It was used as a burial ware during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). 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 glaze. This tradition of decoration continued into the Ming period. The custom of making ‘mingqi’ or burial wares 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.
