{"product_id":"ming-dynasty-pottery-miniature-food-offering-plate-14","title":"Ming Dynasty Pottery Miniature Food Offering Plate","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eMing Dynasty, c. 1550–1644, China\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA superb sancai-glazed miniature model of a food offering plate, created as a funerary object intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The plate is covered in a rich dark moss-green glaze and features a finely modelled recumbent bird at its centre, possibly a mandarin duck. The bird is depicted with an elaborate crest, rounded beak, and carefully rendered open wings, its body enhanced with a delicate light greenish-blue glaze that contrasts beautifully with the darker surface of the plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe piece is further enriched by the characteristic lustrous sancai glazing associated with Ming dynasty funerary pottery, combining vivid green and yellow tones with areas of cream and amber. This distinctive technique employed lead-based glazes to create richly coloured surfaces, often imitating the appearance of precious materials such as jade and bronze. The carefully applied glaze not only enhances the decorative qualities of the miniature but also demonstrates the technical sophistication achieved by Ming ceramic craftsmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDuring the Ming dynasty, the production of mingqi (spirit goods) continued and flourished as part of a funerary tradition that had originated during the Han dynasty and developed over many centuries. Miniature representations of food, vessels, animals, servants, and household objects were placed within tombs to recreate aspects of earthly life, providing the deceased with comfort, sustenance, and continued social status in the afterlife. The quantity, quality, and variety of such objects could also reflect the wealth and rank of the individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe bird at the centre of this offering plate adds an additional layer of visual and symbolic interest, transforming an otherwise functional food offering into a charming sculptural composition. Birds held a prominent place in Chinese decorative art and could carry associations with prosperity, harmony, longevity, and the celestial realm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA particularly appealing example of Ming funerary pottery, this miniature offering plate combines elegant modelling, striking sancai glazing, and rich symbolic significance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic refinement, burial customs, and spiritual beliefs of Ming dynasty China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGood condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 5,0cm x 4,9cm x 2,9cm. \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":57257445261577,"sku":"100100653","price":145.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1557\/5561\/files\/IMG_0710_3a3ad8e9-d113-4c2b-a4ee-eb10137083ef.jpg?v=1786696557","url":"https:\/\/gotasworld.com\/products\/ming-dynasty-pottery-miniature-food-offering-plate-14","provider":"Göta's World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}