Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendant with Zodiac Animal

Ming Dynasty, c. 1550–1644, China

This remarkable Ming Dynasty tomb figure portrays an attendant holding a rooster, one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Exquisitely modeled in terracotta, the figure is draped in a long, flowing robe decorated with vibrant hues of brownish-orange, green, black, and white—achieved through skillful hand-applied glaze and pigment. Remarkably, much of the original coloration has been preserved, testifying to the superior craftsmanship of Ming artisans.

The rooster, as one of the zodiac’s twelve symbolic animals, embodies vigilance, fidelity, and protection. In Chinese cosmology, the zodiac not only structured the passage of time but also held deep spiritual and metaphysical significance. In the context of Ming funerary tradition, such zodiac figures were believed to offer cosmic protection and guidance to the deceased, ensuring harmony and safe passage in the afterlife.

This figure belongs to the category of mingqi—“spirit objects” or “spirit goods”—which were placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the next world. These figures reflect both the social standing of the individual and the enduring Confucian virtue of filial piety. Ming tombs were often carefully arranged in alignment with cosmological principles, and zodiac figures like this one played a symbolic role in harmonizing the spiritual environment of the tomb.

The figure retains exceptional detail, with only minor areas of pigment and slip loss revealing the underlying red clay body—a hallmark of authentic Ming terracotta. The finely sculpted features, combined with the rich, expressive glaze, exemplify the artistic sophistication of Ming funerary sculpture. A rare and captivating piece, this tomb attendant holding a rooster offers not only a stunning example of late imperial Chinese artistry but also a powerful connection to the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of one of China’s most illustrious dynasties.

Excellent condition. Intact. Mineral encrustation, soil and dust. Size approx. 19,5cm x 7,1cm x 6,6cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection

References and further reading:

The Matter of Tang Tomb Figures; A New Perspective on a Group of Terracotta Animals and Riders, Lucien Van Valen & Isabelle Garachon, The Rijksmuseum Bulletin, Volume 62. pp. 218-239, 2014.

Dream of Ideal Life in Ancient China: Ceramic Miniatures of Architectures, Household Goods, People and Animals, Aichi.ken Toji Shiryokan, Seto, 2005, no. 14, p. 34.

Antecedents of Sui-Tang Burial Practices in Shaanxi, Mary Fong, Artibus Asiae 51, no:s. 3–4 (1991), pp. 147–98.

Mingqi - Items for the next world, Jan-Erik Nilsson, Gotheborg.com (https://gotheborg.com/glossary/mingqi.shtml)

Immortality of the Spirit: Chinese Funerary Art from the Han and Tang Dynasties Exhibition Catalogue, Jill J. Deupi, Ive Covaci & Leopold Swergold, Immortality of the Spirit - Ephemera. 1, Fairfield University, 2012. (https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/immortality_ephemera/1)

The Vibrant Role of Mingqi in Early Chinese Burials, Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Heather Colburn Clydesdale, Independent Scholar, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2009. (www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mgqi/hd_mgqi.htm)