Mingqi — Items for the next world

Step into the world of ancient Chinese burial traditions with this remarkable collection of mingqi, or “spirit goods”—funerary objects crafted to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These exquisite artifacts, made from clay, wood, or bronze, reflect the deep spiritual beliefs and artistic mastery of early Chinese civilization.

Mingqi encompassed a vast array of figures and models, including human attendants, warriors, mythical creatures, animals, and elaborate representations of homes and furniture. Often painted or glazed, these objects not only symbolized status and wealth but also provided comfort and protection for the soul’s journey beyond. The number and quality of mingqi in a tomb varied depending on the deceased’s rank, with imperial and elite burials containing hundreds or even thousands of these treasures. The tradition flourished during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), continuing through the Six Dynasties period (220–589) and reaching its artistic peak during the Sui (581–618) and Tang Dynasties (618–907). Even in later periods, such as the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), mingqi remained a testament to China’s enduring funerary customs, with early Ming tombs featuring more elaborate and numerous objects than their later counterparts. Each item in this collection is unconditionally guaranteed for authenticity in both period and condition as described.