Sculpture of a Woman (Minqi), Han Dynasty (206 BCE-221 CE)
China
Terracotta; 13 1/4 x 21 1/2 …

Kneeling Woman (Minqi)

ClassificationsSculpture

Date206 BCE - 220 CE

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumTerracotta

Dimensions13 1/4 x 21 1/2 in. (33.7 x 54.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Dennis J. Aigner

Object number2004.66.1.1

DescriptionThis terracotta statue From Han Dynasty China depicts a Han woman kneeling, known as a Minqi. Minqi, or spirit goods, are clay figures which were placed in great numbers in Chinese tombs during and following the Han dynasty. Originally these figures were intended to capture the likeness of an emperor’s attendants and allowed these servants to follow rulers into the afterlife without human sacrifice. Made using molds, both the head and the hands of this sculpture were articulated. This figure has lost its hands over time.

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