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This guard or warrior figure may have protected the tomb of a lesser
official in the Chinese Emperor’s administration during the
Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 221). It is about 18 inches high and made
of painted earthenware.
The figure represents important social changes that took place
in early China. Prior to the Han Dynasty, China was an agriculturally
based feudal society, plagued for centuries by warfare. The country
was unified in the short-lived Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and again
under the Han Dynasty rulers. China expanded its borders and extended
its influence. Extensive trade routes led to an influx of foreign
goods and ideas. Buddhism and Confucianism grew in popularity, imposing
an emphasis on education and moral values. Society changed too,
with increased social mobility and affluence.
Elaborate and expensive funerary goods, created for the deceased
to use in their afterlife, previously reserved only for the nobility,
now became obtainable for those of lower rank and lesser wealth.
An individual could select from a variety of different sizes, materials
and quality of grave goods. Imperial edicts dictated the number
and extent of tomb furnishings based on one’s official rank.
Funerary goods represented objects from everyday life that would
make for a comfortable life after death. Model homes, granaries,
pavilions and entire compounds were reproduced in clay. Miniature
replicas of agricultural tools, stoves and farm animals would have
provided sustenance. Human figures representing servants, watchmen,
musicians and dancers were included to make the tomb occupant’s
life safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
Richard and Barbara Faletti Family Collection.
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Han Dynasty Tomb
Figurine, China
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