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Military officer
Military officer

Military officer

Place of OriginHenan province or Hebei province, China
Date386-581
DynastyNorthern Dynasties (386-581)
MaterialsEarthenware with traces of painted decoration
DimensionsH. 30 1/4 in x W. 7 1/2 in x D. 6 7/8 in, H. 76.8 cm x W. 19.0 cm x D. 17.5 cm
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Mrs. G. West and S. Bruce
Object numberB68P24
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On view
LocationGallery 15
More Information

Tomb Figurines in Human Form

By the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) human sacrifice was no longer part of the funerary ceremony, and clay models were buried instead. Most clay figurines represented the servants and protectors of the deceased, including warriors, entertainers, cooks, grooms, and maidservants of the court. A fascinating study of changes in fashion and ideals of feminine beauty can be made by examining these tomb models.

The human figurines in these tombs were arranged in a definite hierarchy. Models of servants and support staff were arranged along the floors and niches. Images of the deceased and his or her peers, as well as admired historical personalities and divine beings, were painted, carved in stone, or impressed in the clay tiles that made up the sarcophagus and the walls of the tomb chamber.

Subject
  • man
  • military officer