A Han Dynasty Terracotta Figure

A large Chinese terracotta tomb figure (Ni Yong) from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), likely from the area of modern-day Sichuan. It appears to depict a groom in full costume and harness in hand. With a flat top hat and knotted robe, the figure exhibits a kind and even whimsical facial expression that captures great personality. This kind of pottery figure was fired at low temperature without glaze was popular in Han dynasty before porcelain was developed, and they were made for funeral purpose as part of the burial ceremony in order to have daily objects to accompany the deceased to the afterlife. Similar pieces are found in museum collections all over the world. Sichuan tomb pottery is known for its lively expression and use of yellow-orange clay. The piece has been thermo-luminescence tested to confirm its age.