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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 smile that graces the face of this wonderful
flute player is typical of the happy entertainers
from the Sichuan Province. Dressed in a long
robe and a short cap, he kneels with his hands
lightly placed around the instrument. The artist,
perhaps because he was portraying someone it
was not appropriate to idealize or deify, captured
the intimacy, vibrancy, and intensity of an actual
man. Locked in this bit of clay, a smile, a laugh,
and a will to entertain are still apparent to a
modern audience centuries after its creation.
- (DL.1007)
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