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Stoneware Tomb Altar Model Ming Dynasty

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A stoneware model of an altar used as funeral object in the tomb, circa Ming dynasty, China (14-17th century). This altar model was well made with great details, likely for a wealthy patron. Such objects placed in the tomb were always modeled after real life. The table was of a typical Ming dynasty design with impressive details including the panel-like front doors, the yellow glazed hardware and the scrolled decoration on the corner supports. The front of the table was glazed in yellow and green, more profusely than the side and the back, a typical character of these funeral objects. The offerings on top of the table were molded individually then joined onto the table, and they were glazed in great details too. They include plates of stacked cakes, a plate with pig head, a full size chicken, a fish, two jars of wines flanking the back (even the surface of the jar has floral relief of contrasting glaze), and an incense burner in the middle, all to guarantee the need of the deceased in the afterlife.
The funeral objects made of pottery were widely used in China since Tang Dynasty. The designs almost comprised all aspects of life. The characteristic of Ming dynasty is dominated by green glaze and exhibits a more mundane subject matter. Although varied in qualities, many provided a small window of the contemporary life, such as the people, the attires, the furniture, the foods, the music instruments etc.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	stoneware with glaze
Condition:	Good. Surface wear and patina, uneven glaze during the making, small scattered chips and losses on some edges, all shown in detail photos.
Creation Date:	15-17th century
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	387198

Dimensions

W.	11 in;	H.	9 in;	D.	7 in;
W.	27.94 cm;	H.	22.86 cm;	D.	17.78 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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