This model pavilion would have been part of a group of tomb furnishings made for burials of the wealthy. It has three detachable sections comprising the base, a middle and an upper roof. The tiled roofs have decorative brackets and dragon head motifs at the ends. The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). This glaze technology further developed during the Tang dynasty (618-906) into ‘sancai’ (‘three-colour’) glaze. It included colours such as cream, amber, brown and blue. This glaze tradition continued into the Ming period. The custom of making ‘mingqi’ or burial wares was an ancient one. It is thought these wares were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
