FUNERARY SCULPTURES IN TERRACOTTA - CHINA - MING (1368 - 1644)

Object: Pair of court officials (mingqi) Date: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) Provenance: Chinese cultural area Material: Molded terracotta with green glazes Condition: Good (with signs of surface wear and pigment decohesion due to prolonged burial). Analytical Description The pair depicts two officials in ceremonial attire, originally intended as burial goods to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Figure 1: Standing, wearing a long robe with wide sleeves and holding a ceremonial cup in their hands. Figure 2: Standing, clothing mirrored to the previous one, depicted holding a ceremonial tablet (hu), a symbol of rank and bureaucratic authority. Distinctive Elements Structure: Hollow terracotta manufacture, a typical technique to reduce weight and promote uniform drying before firing. Removable heads Decoration: Hexagonal support bases with projecting moldings, characterized by relief decorations. Finish: Presence of residual green glazes on the clothing, which contrasts with the natural terracotta visible on exposed parts of the body, such as the face and hands. White polychromy residues on the faces confirm the artisanal cold finishing applied after the first firing. Dimensions: Height 45 cm, width 36 cm, depth 16 cm. A regular certificate of authenticity with photos will be issued. We assure a response to your emails within 24 hours. REGISTERED ON THE REGISTER OF EXPERTS AND CTU AT THE COURT OF LA SPEZIA