Ming Dynasty Terracotta Funeral Table From China, 15th-16th Century

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A Ming dynasty terracotta funeral table from 15th-16th century China. This Chinese funeral table was made with terracotta during the … Read more A Ming dynasty terracotta funeral table from 15th-16th century China. This Chinese funeral table was made with terracotta during the Ming Dynasty and displays a variety of elements of food and drink. This small item displays a typical Chinese altar, painted in green with tempera. Modeled and painted miniature food and drinks such as cakes are arranged on it. Called Mingqi, these kinds of terracotta models were traditionally placed in the Chinese burials, especially for the wealthy deceased, in order to assist the deceased in the afterlife, a practice that dates back to the Neolithic Period. This rare Chinese 15th-16th century Ming terracotta funeral table would be a gorgeous testimony of this tradition and a great decorative item, perhaps in a living room on a mantle or in a dining room in a glass cabinet. See less