Ming Dynasty Pottery Miniature Food Offering Plate

Ming Dynasty, c. 1550–1644, China

A beautiful mingqi (spirit good), this sancai-glazed miniature model of a food offering plate exemplifies the artistry and cultural traditions of the Ming dynasty. Intended as a funerary object, it would have been placed in a tomb to accompany the deceased, symbolizing offerings of sustenance and blessings for the afterlife. The plate features a stunning application of bright green and amber sancai glaze, a hallmark of Ming funerary pottery. This technique utilized lead-based glazes to create vibrant, lustrous finishes that mimicked the appearance of more luxurious materials like bronze or jade. The sancai palette, typically combining green, amber, and cream, reflects the aesthetic sophistication of the era.

The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) marked a resurgence of mingqi production, continuing a tradition that began during the Han dynasty. These spirit goods were integral to burial rituals, representing the possessions, aspirations, and status of the deceased. Tombs often included pottery figures, animals, and models of daily life, arranged to ensure comfort and protection in the afterlife. The glaze on this piece, applied over low-fired pottery, not only highlights the technical skill of the artisans but also provides a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the Ming period. Green symbolized renewal and vitality, while amber conveyed warmth and protection. This offering plate, with its radiant glaze and cultural significance, serves as a timeless testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of ancient China.

Good condition. Intact. Age-related wear and abrasion. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 5,6cm x 5,3cm x 4,2cm. 

Provenance: Private collection from Denmark.

For a similar example see:

Model of food offering, Asian Civilisations Museum - National Heritage Board, Singapore, Accession Number: 1993-00069                (https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/collection-landing/listing/1060263)

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)