{"product_id":"ming-dynasty-pottery-miniature-food-offering-3","title":"Ming Dynasty Pottery Miniature Food Offering","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eMing Dynasty, c. 1550–1644, China\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA lovely and finely modelled miniature pottery food offering in the form of four fruits, possibly persimmons, created as a mingqi (spirit object) to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Carefully sculpted and covered in a rich combination of deep dark ochre and moss-green lead glaze, this charming funerary model belongs to the long-established Chinese tradition of placing miniature representations of food and other necessities within tombs to provide comfort, abundance, and prosperity in the next world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe production of mingqi during the Ming dynasty continued a funerary tradition that had developed in China over many centuries, with its roots extending back to the Han dynasty and earlier periods. Miniature models of food, vessels, animals, servants, and household furnishings were carefully arranged within tombs as substitutes for the objects and comforts of earthly life. Their presence was intended to ensure that the deceased could retain their social status and continue to enjoy nourishment, abundance, and security in the afterlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFood offerings held particular importance within this tradition, representing not only physical sustenance but also prosperity and continued well-being. Fruits were especially suitable subjects for funerary models because of their associations with abundance, fertility, longevity, and auspiciousness. Whether depicting actual foods or symbolic representations, such miniature offerings provide valuable insight into Chinese concepts of death and the belief in an enduring relationship between the material and spiritual realms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith its appealing modelling, unusual dark ochre and moss-green glazing, and auspicious subject matter, this miniature fruit offering is an excellent example of Ming dynasty funerary pottery. Both decorative and deeply symbolic, it reflects the refined artistic traditions and enduring spiritual beliefs of imperial China, offering a fascinating glimpse into the material culture and funerary customs of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGood condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with fading to some finer features, and light encrustations within recessed areas. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 4,9cm x 3,8cm x 3,6cm. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: British private collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReferences and further reading:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Matter of Tang Tomb Figures; A New Perspective on a Group of Terracotta Animals and Riders, Lucien Van Valen \u0026amp; Isabelle Garachon, The Rijksmuseum Bulletin, Volume 62. pp. 218-239, 2014.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDream 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.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAntecedents of Sui-Tang Burial Practices in Shaanxi, Mary Fong, Artibus Asiae 51, no:s. 3–4 (1991), pp. 147–98.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eMingqi - Items for the next world, Jan-Erik Nilsson, Gotheborg.com (https:\/\/gotheborg.com\/glossary\/mingqi.shtml)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eImmortality of the Spirit: Chinese Funerary Art from the Han and Tang Dynasties Exhibition Catalogue, Jill J. Deupi, Ive Covaci \u0026amp; Leopold Swergold, Immortality of the Spirit - Ephemera. 1, Fairfield University, 2012. (https:\/\/digitalcommons.fairfield.edu\/immortality_ephemera\/1)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe 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)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Göta's World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57273703497993,"sku":"100100656","price":125.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1557\/5561\/files\/IMG_0669.jpg?v=1787560014","url":"https:\/\/gotasworld.com\/products\/ming-dynasty-pottery-miniature-food-offering-3","provider":"Göta's World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}