This model of a chest is covered almost entirely in black pigment. The lock and handles are decorated in green glaze while the hinges are indicated by the two little green-glazed rings at the back. This is probably a clothes chest. During the Ming dynasty, the court used such chests to store the hats and robes of officials.The custom of making ‘mingqi’ or burial wares was an ancient practice. It is thought that these wares were necessary for the deceased in the next world. They were also a display of wealth and social status.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. The glaze tradition continued into the Ming period.
