Ceramic sculpture showing a small pig laying on its side, enclosed by a rectangular structure which features arches and stairs. The sculpture is tan with a glossy muted green glaze.
Ceramic sculpture showing a small pig enclosed by a rectangular structure which features arches and stairs. The sculpture is tan with a glossy muted green glaze.
Ceramic sculpture showing a small pig laying on its side, enclosed by a rectangular structure which features arches and stairs. The sculpture is tan with a glossy muted green glaze.
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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Pig in a Pen
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Culture

Chinese

Title

Pig in a Pen

Period

Han Dynasty

Year

1-200 CE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

earthenware, lead glaze

Dimensions

7.5 x 22 x 23 cm (2 15/16 x 8 11/16 x 9 1/16 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Gustav Radeke

Object Number

13.1584

Type

Exhibition History

Asian Art Galleries
Jun 10, 2014

Label copy

Chinese Buddhists believed that if the souls of the deceased were denied a proper resting place, they would become discontent and cause trouble in the earthly realm. Donors, artisans, and builders worked in unison to construct burial-mound chambers filled with the comforts and remembrances of life. Chambers for people of higher status were decorated with murals, reliefs, architectural models, vessels, and figures. Musicians played an important role in Chinese court life, performing for ceremonies and rituals, and groups of figures playing instruments were often included in burials, as were horse figures. Horses were prized possessions of the elite, and polo was a popular pastime, especially during the Tang Dynasty.

Rockefeller Asian Art Gallery

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese
Pig in a Pen, 1-200 CE
Glazed earthenware
7.5 x 22 x 23 cm (2 15/16 x 8 11/16 x 9 1/16 inches)
Gift of Mrs. Gustav Radeke 13.1584

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