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A well-preserved pottery figure of a pig from the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), modeled in a naturalistic stance with head lowered and short legs set firmly apart. The body is rounded and proportionate, with incised details around the snout, ears, and eyes that give the animal a lifelike presence. Traces of original pigment remain across the surface, with warm earthen tones and subtle orange-red highlights revealing its ancient polychromy.
This figure is crafted from earthenware, the most common ceramic body of the Han period, made from locally sourced clay rich in iron oxides. Artisans would refine the clay, hand-build or mold the basic form, and then sculpt finer details with knives and carving tools. Surface modeling, such as the incised lines around the snout and ears, was done before firing. Once shaped, the figure was low-fired in a kiln using an oxidizing atmosphere, which produced the warm reddish-brown tones characteristic of Han pottery. After firing, mineral-based pigments were applied to create realistic coloration—traces of which still remain today.
Animal figures such as this were often placed in tombs as mingqi (“spirit goods”)—funerary objects meant to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. Pigs, in particular, symbolized abundance, prosperity, and domestic stability, reflecting their importance in daily agricultural life. The craftsmanship shows the Han artisans’ ability to combine stylized form with a sense of realistic weight and movement.
This example retains much of its original surface texture, with age-appropriate wear consistent with its two millennia of history. In Chinese culture, pigs are also associated with wealth, good fortune, and a comfortable life, often representing both material prosperity and a peaceful home. As such, this figure served not only as a guardian of sustenance for the afterlife but also as a powerful emblem of well-being and enduring prosperity.
Age: Han Dynasty 206 BCE – 220 CE
Dimensions: 13" long x8" high x 5 1/3" wide
This figure is crafted from earthenware, the most common ceramic body of the Han period, made from locally sourced clay rich in iron oxides. Artisans would refine the clay, hand-build or mold the basic form, and then sculpt finer details with knives and carving tools. Surface modeling, such as the incised lines around the snout and ears, was done before firing. Once shaped, the figure was low-fired in a kiln using an oxidizing atmosphere, which produced the warm reddish-brown tones characteristic of Han pottery. After firing, mineral-based pigments were applied to create realistic coloration—traces of which still remain today.
Animal figures such as this were often placed in tombs as mingqi (“spirit goods”)—funerary objects meant to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. Pigs, in particular, symbolized abundance, prosperity, and domestic stability, reflecting their importance in daily agricultural life. The craftsmanship shows the Han artisans’ ability to combine stylized form with a sense of realistic weight and movement.
This example retains much of its original surface texture, with age-appropriate wear consistent with its two millennia of history. In Chinese culture, pigs are also associated with wealth, good fortune, and a comfortable life, often representing both material prosperity and a peaceful home. As such, this figure served not only as a guardian of sustenance for the afterlife but also as a powerful emblem of well-being and enduring prosperity.
Age: Han Dynasty 206 BCE – 220 CE
Dimensions: 13" long x8" high x 5 1/3" wide
$3,250.00
item #1507545
