Quick Facts
- Chinese:
- “bright utensils”
- Wade-Giles romanization:
- ming-ch’i
- Related Topics:
- Chinese religion
- grave goods
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
mingqi
Chinese funerary objects
Also known as: ming-ch’i
mingqi, funerary furniture or objects placed in Chinese tombs to provide the deceased with the same material environment enjoyed while living, thus assuring immortality. While mingqi were buried with the dead in virtually all historical periods, the custom was more popular in some periods than in others—for example, in the Han (206 bce–220 ce), Tang (618–907), and Ming (1368–1644) dynasties.
Mingqi are usually inexpensive, simply crafted clay models of that which is familiar in life—including guardians, servants, animals, and even architectural structures. A complete set of mingqi from a single tomb may amount to a model of an entire village, giving a comprehensive picture of the daily life of the period.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Matt Stefon.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.