Female Mingqi Spirit Attendant

Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Meant to depict the pleasures of daily life, common burial figures were warriors, dancers, male and female figures and animals. This míngqì is of a court lady wearing a flowing robe and her hair in a high bun, one of the typical hairstyles popular during the Tang dynasty. The sculpture is coated with a pale glaze and has now weathered from age, revealing the original ceramic form.

The figure’s head has broken off and has been re-adhered.