Chinese Han Dynasty Mingqi Funerary Bowl

AGE: – Han Dynasty 206 B.C. – 220 A.D.
CONSTRUCTION: – Earthenware
DESCRIPTION: – Chinese Han Dynasty Mingqi Funerary Bowl – Overall condition good, one ring broken on one side.

HEIGHT: – 13.5cm
WIDTH:– 17cm
DEPTH: – 11cm
WEIGHT:– 1.5 kg.
FOR PRICE PLEASE CONTACT – include item number below
42a

An Earthenware Chinese Han Dynasty Mingqi Funerary vessel made for tomb purposes. Tombs during the Han dynasty would often be outfitted with copies of miniature utilitarian objects such as this which would have been used by the deceased during his lifetime.

A mythological creature sits on top of the lid with two ring holders on each side of the body. A geometric design cold painted with natural coloured pigments in blue and orange/red decorates the top section of the bowl and again on the lid.

It was believed by the Han Dynasty Chinese and those up to the Ming Dynasty that these miniature or utilitarian earthenware funerary offerings would give the deceased a sense of comfort if he was accompanied by the things he was familiar with in his daily life into the afterlife.

The Asian Art Museum has produced a wonderful and informative article relating to China’s Neolithic, Shang and Han Dynasty period.