This model pagoda would have been part of a group of Ming tomb furnishings. It is decorated with green and amber lead glazes which are typical ‘sancai’ colours. 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.The custom was an ancient one. It is thought these wares were necessary to the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
