Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty Pottery Tomb Attendants (ca. 206 BCE-220 CE).

Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty Pottery Tomb Attendants (ca. 206 BCE-220 CE). Size of each figure: approx.: 6"H x 2.25"L x 2"W. A pair of matching tomb attendant figures standing upon square pedestals. They are dressed in ankle length robes with billowing sleeves as officials or scholarly attendant figures. The Han had elaborate tombs, filled with clay figures like these, a class of artifacts called “mingqi” - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts." Mingqi figures assisted the deceased in the afterlife, recreating the daily life of the Emperor's court or a noble person's world. Condition: The exterior surfaces are decorated with light orange pigment for the ground, and remains of white and red pigment are visible in scattered areas. Some surface abrasions and chips & softening to finer details. Mineral and earthen deposits throughout. Provenance: ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Nancy & Dr. E.F. Simpson collection (Los Angeles, CA).