'The camel is an unusual domestic animal; it
carries a saddle of flesh on its back; swiftly it
dashes over the shifting sands; it manifests its
merit in dangerous places; it has a secret
understanding of springs and sources, subtle
indeed is its knowledge.'
--Guo Pu, 3rd Century AD
For the Chinese, camels symbolized commerce
and its associated wealth, largely concentrated
on profits though trading on the Silk Road.
Trade across this extensive network of paths and
trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and
exotic merchandize into China. However, the
dusty trails of the Silk Road were an arduous
journey through the rugged mountains and
harsh desert of Central Asia that could only be
traversed by the two humped Bactrian camel.
This remarkable beast was able to withstand the
scorching heat of the desert and maintain its
own nutrients, surviving for months without
fresh supplies of water. The government kept
vast herds of these invaluable creatures,
presided over by civil officials, for hauling their
precious commodities across the Silk Road.
These exotic creatures were a common sight in
the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying
both traders and their goods directly into the
markets. Likewise, Tang artists began to create
charming representations of these prized
creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth
and prosperity in the afterlife.
Mingqi were works of art specifically created in
an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the
tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for
their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works
of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs,
and this sculpture of a camel and detachable
rider is a perfect example of the refined artistry
dedicated to such works despite the fact that
they were never meant to be seen by the living.
The distinct physiognomy of the rider reveals
that he is of foreign descent, most likely a Turkic
merchant from Central Asia. We can imagine
him guiding a caravan into the cities of Tang
China, carrying his precious goods directly into
the market. Traces of polychromy survive on
both the camel and the rider. The animal’s head
is raised, teeth visible in its open mouth, perhaps
in protest at its long journey. The hairs on its
neck are expertly modelled as are the details of
the rider’s clothing. He wears boots and a
peaked cap and sports a full beard. He probably
held a whip of some kind in his left hand which
has since been lost. This sculpture reveals the
Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this
beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of
ancient China.
