Ca. 1368-1644 AD or later .A pottery mingqi presents a male figure in an upright stance atop a tiered, square-shaped base. The figure is adorned in a navy-glazed cross-over robe securely fastened at the waist. Intriguingly, contrasting accents embellish the sides of the robe, painted in a vibrant red hue, while the boots are in black pigment. A striking element of the figure's attire is the high, conical-shaped hat in a shade of red, serving as a distinguishing feature. The portrayal of the male figure exhibits a serene countenance, characterized by small eyes outlined in black, thin eyebrows, and petite lips. His right fist is clenched, exuding a sense of determination, while the left hand delicately holds an item, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the composition. As an exemplary mingqi, this artifact holds a significant role within the context of Chinese burial practices. Mingqi, a term encompassing various funerary objects, played a vital role in Chinese culture by accompanying the deceased in the afterlife. Such artifacts symbolized material wealth, status, and provided assistance to the departed in their spiritual journey. Size: L:195mm / W:60mm ; 265g Provenance: UK private collection of Asian Art; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.