Pair of Antique Chinese Terracotta Tomb Figures. Both measure approximately 2"x3"x10. Weight 3 pds. PROVENANCE: A Beijing China / 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, assistants, 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.

good- antique