Northern Wei Dynasty Pottery Figure of a Standing Official

Northern Wei Dynasty, c. 386–534 AD, Henan Province, China

A rare and finely modeled hollow-moulded terracotta figure of a standing official from the Northern Wei Dynasty, sensitively rendered with a poised and reverent stance. The figure stands upright with hands positioned along the sides of the body, dressed in a close-fitting tunic with long sleeves and voluminous trousers gathered at the knees, flaring gracefully at the bottom. His face is delicately sculpted with gently arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, a refined nose, moustache and softly smiling lips—imbued with a serene and composed expression. He wears a black court cap, indicative of his official status.

Traces of original post-firing pigments—red, black, pink, and white—remain visible across the surface, despite the fragile nature of these ancient colors. A small hole in the right hand suggests the figure may have once held a now-lost bronze weapon such as a spear or sword, reinforcing his identity as an attendant or guard.

This figure functioned as a mingqi, a funerary object created to serve the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi figures reflected the societal hierarchy, daily life, and ceremonial roles of the living, ensuring continuity and comfort in the next world.

Figurines of this type are notably rare. The Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD), founded by the Tuoba, a nomadic people from northern China, was a relatively short-lived but culturally transformative era. It played a pivotal role in the sinicization of northern tribes and left behind a distinctive artistic legacy, including remarkable funerary art like this example.

A historically significant and elegantly sculpted artifact, offering a glimpse into the complex spiritual and social structures of early medieval China.

Excellent condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Size approx. 25,9cm x 7,0cm x 5,7cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection.

For a similar example see: 

Warrior with Shield, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 25.228 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44796)

Attendant, 386–535, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Accession Number: 50.46.167.2 (https://collections.artsmia.org/art/17559/attendant-china)

Figure, The British Museum, Accession Number: 1947,0712.6.a-b (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1947-0712-6-a-b)

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)