A Set of Three Han Entertainer Figures

Han Dynasty, Sichuan Province, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Set of three large terracotta entertainer figures modeled with expressive gestures and lively postures characteristic of Han Dynasty Sichuan tomb pottery. The group likely represents musicians or court performers, including one figure holding a stringed instrument. Sculptures of this type were created as mingqi funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Their animated forms and naturalistic character reflect the distinctive artistic vitality associated with Sichuan funerary traditions during the Han Dynasty.