Danseuse

This group, homogeneous in its material, dimensions and style, probably comes from a single tomb. It is characteristic of mingqi that were placed near the deceased. A standing peasant, recognisable by his spade and winnowing basket, symbolically provides an economic base for life in the afterworld. The other figures are more or less connected to the banquet, an important theme in funerary iconography. There are two cooks, one of which, seated in by a low table, is preparing a fish. Three other statuettes have the function of entertaining the master of the house and his guests with music (a qin-type-zither player), dance and song. Like the bards in ancient societies, a singer cups his hand behind his ear, to control the sound of his voice. These lively figures with expressive faces are characteristic of Sichuan province, where numerous specimens of such mingqi have been found.