This painted figure with a mournful expression would have been part of a group of pottery tomb figures made for the ruling elite to provide for their afterlife. He wears a peaked skull cap, tunic and trousers, which widen at the lower edge. There is also a bangle around his upper left arm. The figure's facial and body expressions seem to emphasize the sadness of the tale he accompanies on his circular drum. It is thought that this figure represents one of the practitioners of the performance called shuochang (说唱) which involves both talking and singing.The custom of making 'mingqi' or burial wares was an ancient practice. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
