10.3 Secular Art: Tomb Figurines and Metalwork
3 min read•july 30, 2024
The saw a boom in secular art, with tomb figurines and metalwork reflecting the era's wealth and cosmopolitanism. These pieces showcased the dynasty's cultural exchange, technological advancements, and changing social norms.
Tomb figurines, known as , served as afterlife companions for the elite. Metalwork objects, crafted from precious materials, displayed intricate designs and techniques. Both art forms captured the essence of Tang society's sophistication and global connections.
Tang Dynasty Tomb Figurines
Purpose and Significance
Top images from around the web for Purpose and Significance
_(7611997488).jpg&w=128&q=75)
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurines (Musée du Quai Branly) | Figurines mingqi en terre… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Purpose and Significance
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurines (Musée du Quai Branly) | Figurines mingqi en terre… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:Mingqi - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Mingqi served as substitutes for real objects and living beings in elite burials
- Reflected deceased's status
- Provided comfort in the afterlife
- Size and quality varied based on social status
- Larger and more elaborate sets indicated higher rank and wealth
- Showcased cosmopolitan nature of Tang society
- Depicted court ladies, musicians, dancers, foreign merchants (Central Asian influences)
- Incorporated mythical creatures
Production Techniques
- Clay bodies shaped using multi-part molds
- Allowed for mass production and standardization
- Sancai (three-color) glazing technique hallmark of Tang ceramics
- Lead glaze with metal oxides produced distinct colors
- Copper (green)
- Iron (amber)
- Cobalt (blue)
- Lead glaze with metal oxides produced distinct colors
- Incorporated Central Asian influences
- Clothing styles
- Hairstyles
- Facial features
Artistic Qualities
- High degree of naturalism and expressiveness
- Captured dynamic poses
- Detailed facial expressions
- Intricate clothing and accessories (hairpins, belts)
- Reflected cultural exchange along Silk Road
- Foreign merchant figurines (Sogdian traders)
- Camel and horse figurines
- Varied in size from small (few inches) to life-sized
- Larger figurines often found in imperial tombs (Emperor Taizong's tomb)
Tang Metalwork Objects
Materials and Techniques
- Primary materials
- and (elite and imperial commissions)
- Gilt bronze (more widespread use)
- Decorative techniques
- Repousse created raised designs on metal surfaces
- Chasing added fine details and textures
- Inlaid metalwork combined precious metals with gemstones or glass (jade, lapis lazuli)
- Increased production of silver objects
- Used in tea ceremonies (silver teapots, cups)
- Given as diplomatic gifts to foreign emissaries (silver bowls, plates)
Motifs and Iconography
- Naturalistic motifs
- Flowers (peonies, lotuses)
- Birds (phoenixes, cranes)
- Animals (dragons, lions)
- Geometric patterns and cloud scrolls inspired by earlier dynasties
- Interlocking spirals
- Lozenge patterns
- Religious iconography
- Buddhist symbols (lotus, dharma wheel)
- Daoist imagery (immortals, mythical creatures)
Functions and Forms
- Ritual vessels
- Incense burners
- Offering dishes
- Drinking vessels
- Wine cups
- Tea bowls
- Personal adornments
- Hairpins
- Belt buckles
- Decorative objects
- Mirrors with intricate designs
- Cosmetic boxes
Tang Dynasty Art: Secular vs Earlier Dynasties
Stylistic Evolution
- Tang art more naturalistic and dynamic
- Earlier dynasties (Han) more stylized and formal
- Increased emphasis on daily life and leisure scenes
- Previous focus on ritual and political themes
- More vibrant and diverse use of color
- Advancements in pigment technology
- Wider color palette in paintings and ceramics
- Higher level of technical sophistication
- Advanced production methods (multi-part molds)
- Refined artistic execution (detailed facial expressions)
Cultural Influences and Subjects
- Broader range of subjects reflecting cosmopolitan society
- Foreign influences less prevalent in earlier dynasties
- Incorporation of Buddhist and Daoist elements in secular art
- Previous dynasties focused more on Confucian themes
- Shift in material preferences
- Tang period emphasized precious metals (silver tableware)
- Earlier dynasties prioritized bronze for prestige objects
- Evolution in tomb figurine practices
- Tang burials contained more abundant and varied figurines
- Reflected changes in and burial customs
Technological and Social Changes
- Advancements in ceramic production
- Tang sancai glazing technique not present in earlier periods
- Increased international trade influenced artistic motifs
- Silk Road exchanges brought new designs and techniques
- Rise of tea culture impacted metalwork and ceramics
- Production of specialized tea utensils (silver teapots, ceramic cups)
- Growing wealth and urbanization expanded art patronage
- Wider range of social classes commissioning artworks
Key Terms to Review (17)
Afterlife beliefs: Afterlife beliefs refer to the various cultural and religious ideas regarding what happens to an individual after death. In ancient China, these beliefs often included concepts of immortality, ancestral worship, and the importance of burial practices to ensure a favorable journey to the afterlife. Such beliefs significantly influenced art and material culture, leading to elaborate funerary practices and the creation of artifacts intended to support and protect the deceased in their next life.
Ancestor worship: Ancestor worship is a religious practice centered on honoring and revering deceased ancestors, believing they have a continued presence and influence in the lives of their descendants. This practice is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and intertwines with familial respect, rituals, and artistic expressions throughout history.
Chasing and repoussé: Chasing and repoussé are metalworking techniques used to create intricate designs on metal surfaces. Chasing involves pushing or striking the metal from the front to form a relief design, while repoussé refers to shaping the metal from the back to achieve a similar raised effect. Both methods are significant in the production of decorative objects and functional items, particularly in creating tomb figurines and elaborate metalwork that showcase artistry and craftsmanship.
Ding vessel: A ding vessel is a type of ancient Chinese bronze container typically used for cooking or food storage, dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Its distinctive three-legged design and intricate decoration reflect the artistic and functional aspects of bronze metallurgy in early Chinese culture, making it significant in the study of secular art, especially in tomb figurines and metalwork.
Funerary practices: Funerary practices refer to the rituals and customs associated with the disposal of the dead, including burial, cremation, and the accompanying ceremonies and offerings. These practices reflect cultural beliefs about death, the afterlife, and the importance of honoring ancestors, often manifesting in artistic forms like tomb figurines and metalwork that serve both practical and symbolic purposes in burial contexts.
Gold: Gold is a precious metal known for its rarity, luster, and malleability, often used in art and jewelry throughout history. Its significance in ancient cultures is highlighted by its use in various forms of metalwork and as a status symbol, showcasing wealth and power. The intricate techniques of goldsmithing contributed to advancements in metalwork and ornamentation, reflecting social hierarchies and cultural values.
Grave goods: Grave goods are items buried with the deceased, intended to accompany them in the afterlife and provide comfort or utility in the next realm. These objects often reflect the social status, beliefs, and daily life of the individuals, showing how cultures honored their dead through material offerings. The use of grave goods is especially prominent in burial practices, where they offer insights into artistic expression, social hierarchies, and religious beliefs of early Chinese societies.
Han Dynasty: The Han Dynasty was a pivotal period in Chinese history that lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE, marking a golden age of cultural, political, and economic development. It is significant for its contributions to the arts, literature, and advancements in technology, as well as the establishment of foundational elements of Chinese identity.
Lost-wax casting: Lost-wax casting is a metalworking process used to create intricate shapes by forming a wax model that is coated with a material to create a mold. Once the mold is made, the wax is melted away, leaving a cavity that can be filled with molten metal, allowing for detailed and complex designs, which are especially prominent in bronze artifacts and ritual vessels.
Mingqi: Mingqi refers to the ritualistic and symbolic burial objects that were placed in tombs during the Han Dynasty and other periods of Chinese history. These objects, which included figurines, pottery, and various items, were believed to serve the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the cultural beliefs about death and the importance of maintaining connections with the spiritual realm.
Qin Dynasty: The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE, known for unifying various warring states under a centralized rule. This period is significant for its establishment of a unified state, standardization of various systems, and monumental artistic achievements that would influence Chinese culture for centuries.
Realism: Realism is an artistic movement and approach that aims to represent subjects as they are, without idealization or embellishment. This style emphasizes accuracy and attention to detail, capturing everyday life and the human condition in a truthful manner. In the context of early Chinese art, realism plays a significant role in how artists depicted figures, scenes, and objects, contributing to cultural narratives and historical representation.
Silver: Silver is a precious metal known for its lustrous appearance and malleability, widely used in various forms of art and craftsmanship. In the context of secular art, silver played a critical role in the production of ornate tomb figurines and metalwork, highlighting both artistic expression and cultural significance. It was often used in burial practices, reflecting the beliefs about the afterlife and the status of individuals in society.
Song Dynasty: The Song Dynasty was a major Chinese dynasty that lasted from 960 to 1279, marked by significant cultural, technological, and economic advancements. This period is noted for its flourishing arts, including ceramics, painting, and calligraphy, which have had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and influenced other regions in East Asia.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, concepts, or qualities. In art, it often conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal, allowing artists to express complex emotions or societal messages through visual elements. The interpretation of these symbols can vary across different cultures and historical contexts, making it a powerful tool for communication.
Tang Dynasty: The Tang Dynasty was a powerful imperial dynasty that ruled China from 618 to 907 CE, known for its cultural, political, and economic achievements that laid the foundation for a golden age in Chinese history. The dynasty is celebrated for its advancements in various artistic disciplines, as well as fostering international trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army is a massive collection of life-sized sculptures that were created to accompany the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in his tomb, reflecting the emperor's belief in an afterlife where he would need protection. This monumental work showcases the artistic mastery and technological advancements of the Qin Dynasty while serving as a symbol of imperial power and the unification of China under one ruler.