Antique Chinese Han Dynasty Tomb Pottery Boar Figure. Red Clay, great detail. In China, during the Han dynasty (206 BC through AD 220), burials commonly included tomb pottery. Measures 4"x2"x2 1/4" tall. Weight 6 oz. PROVENANCE: A Charleston SC Private Estate. China’s tradition of pottery-making began in ancient times well before the Han dynasty, but by this time, improvements to pottery-making techniques allowed for extensive production of items for both daily and ceremonial use. Sculptural tomb pottery pieces symbolized items the deceased person would need in the afterlife: animals, dancing figures and musicians, houses, granary jars, oil lamps, horses and other items from daily life. The custom continues to this day; traditional burial ceremonies in China may include the burning of replicas of cars, houses, jewelry, and other valuables that belonged to the deceased.

antique- some wear