Chinese Ming Dynasty collection of 12 Zodiac pottery figures 1368-1644

Description: Chinese Ming Dynasty collection of 12 Zodiac pottery figures 1368-1644 A rarely seen set of zodiac figures with animal heads and human bodies. All are dressed in long gowns with long sleeves, their hands folded in front of their chests. The Zodiacs are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig or boar. These correspond to the twelve earthly branches and are infrequently found in wealthy tombs of the elite and wealthy ancient Ming Chinese. Pottery zodiac figures were realistic in appearance in the early days, but became more stylized, and gradually transformed into a combination of animal and human features. This set is very interesting with many details and outstanding original hand applied glazes and pigments. Size: 20-21 cm - c. 8 inches tall Condition: Superb, all figures are intact with finely preserved glaze and pigment with wear for age and type. Provenance: Private collection. Guaranteed authentic. About Ming Tomb figures: Tomb figures, also known as mingqi, were funerary objects placed in tombs during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China. These figures were made of clay, wood, or bronze, and were intended to provide the deceased with companionship, entertainment, and protection in the afterlife. They included statues of people, animals, and mythical creatures, as well as models of houses, furniture, and other objects. These figures were typically painted or glazed, and were often buried with the deceased in their tombs. The production of mingqi was a significant industry during the Ming Dynasty, and many skilled artisans were employed to create these objects. The number of tomb figures, or mingqi, placed in a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) tomb varied depending on the wealth and status of the individual being buried. Elite tombs, such as those of emperors and high-ranking officials, could have hundreds or even thousands of mingqi, while the tombs of commoners might have only a few. The quantity of mingqi in a tomb also varied depending on the time period and location. For example, tombs from the early Ming period (1368-1425) were typically larger and contained more mingqi than those from the late Ming period (1550-1644) which were smaller. Additionally, tombs from the southern regions of China tended to have more mingqi than those from the north. In general, it is believed that the purpose of the mingqi was not only to provide the deceased with companionship, entertainment, and protection in the afterlife, but also to demonstrate the wealth and status of the individual during their lifetime. The size of Ming Dynasty tomb figures, or mingqi, varied depending on the type of object and the wealth and status of the individual for whom it was made. Some of the largest mingqi were statues of people and animals, which were typically several feet tall. #10101491039 **** *** We do combined shipping, if you are interested in more items *** About us: Senatus Consulto specialize in ancient coins and antiquities from Europe and Asia. Our stock is acquired from large and well known Danish estates or collections, certified dealers and Danish and International auction houses. Authenticity Guaranteed: Senatus Consulto fully guarantees all items to be genuine in every aspect according to the item description. Any detail regarding an antiquity that is not known to us, will be noted as such. All artifacts and collectibles are accompanied by an invoice which also function as a Lifetime Certificate of Authenticity. Any item significantly deviating from the information provided by us regarding culture and dating, may be returned for a prompt refund excluding shipping and handling costs. In order to receive a refund for authenticity reasons, we require a written statement from an expert in the field of concern, a TL test or the like. We do not cover expenses to acquire documentation. Satisfaction Guarantee: You can return any item with which you for any reason are not satisfied within 14 days of receiving it. We will issue a prompt refund of your payment, except for costs such as shipping charges, sales fees, taxes, handling fees etc., upon receival of the item in the same condition as when we shipped it. Stands etc. used for presenting our objects on photos are as a rule not included unless specifically mentioned in the item description. Shipping and handling: Buyer pays shipping & handling costs - see cost for this item elsewhere on this page. We use Postnord Logistics, Coolrunner as main carriers, and provide tracking when your item is shipped. In case of larger delays, we file a claim at the carrier. 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Price: 2345 USD

Location: Frederiksberg c

End Time: 2025-01-23T15:14:07.000Z

Shipping Cost: 118 USD