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A type of work known as mingqi,
literally
translated as, “items for the next
world,” this
sculpture was specifically commissioned
by the
family of the deceased to be buried
alongside
their departed relative, both as a
symbol of their
wealth and familial piety. However, only
elite
members of the social hierarchy could
afford to
be honored with such elaborate burials.
During
the Han era, the ancient Chinese
believed that
the afterlife was an extension of our
earthly
existences. Thus, the tombs of nobles
and high-
ranking officials were filled with
sculpted
renditions of their earthly entourage.
Musicians,
chefs, attendants, and guardians were
placed
alongside pots, vessels, cooking
utensils, and
herds of livestock. All these mingqi
were
expected to perform their functions
continually
throughout the afterlife. The guards
would watch
over the soul of the deceased, while the
chef
prepared meals, utilizing the meats of
the
livestock, and the musicians performed
songs to
nourish the spirit throughout eternity.
The smile that graces the face of this
wonderful
dancer is typical of the happy
entertainers from
the Sichuan Province. She wears an
elaborate
robe and a fantastic headdress featuring
three
flowers. The elegant posture of her
legs, placed
either side of a stool or pot, reflects
the
movement and action of the dance. A
reflection
of the wealth and sophistication of
ancient
China, this sculpture intrigues us with
its vast
historical and cultural insights.
Furthermore, this
work is a gorgeous symbol of the
philosophical
and religious belief of the Han. The
eternal
warmth and joy embodied by this ancient
dancer
brings a smile to our own faces.
- (DL.1004)
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