Pottery figurines of Wei, jin, southern and Northern Dynasties, and Sui and Tang Dynasties

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The lavish burial customof Han waned in the following Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties. However, the fashion of using pottery figurines became more popular and it became the main category of funerary objects in tombs. The quantit of pottery figurines increased particularly in the north, with emergence of new species and combinations, such as tomb guardian beasts and warriors to safeguard peace of a tomb, and the massive escort figurines centered by ox cart, which was themost distinct feature of tombs then. The spectacular formation of pottery figurines not only fully reproduced majesty of tomb owners before their death, but reflected the ritual system, craftsmanship and aesthetic sentiment of the time as well.

The chaotic situation came to an end with the unification of the country by the Sui and Tang dynasties. China then was ushered into a peaceful and prosperous era while economy and culture underwent unprecedented development. The lavish burial tradition came into fashion once again, and the industry of pottery figurine alsoreached its peak. Unlike the Qin dynasty, the Tang dynasty was more self-confident and magnanimous, which enabled figurine production to be more diversified, boastingextremely rich expression skills, manufacturing techniques and subject matters. Tri colour pottery of Tang took shape just within such a positive context, and demonstrates the strength and confidence of the high Tang era with its vivid shapesand splendid glazes. Tri-colour figurines of Tang ladies all boast flowery costumes, luxurious ornamentations, plump statures and confident postures, while warrior figurines are strapping and vigorous with clear-cut faces. Theyare probablythe realreflection of people’ smental outlook then. The tradition of pottery figurine making declined after the Tang dynasty, and its role in tombs was gradually taken over by paper-made items.

The development of pottery figurines epitomized the transformation of funerarysystems in ancient China, and through the underground world they reproduce, they provide us with better insight into the ancient society.