A Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed processional figure of a male attendant standing on a square pedestal. The figure is portrayed wearing a red conical hat with a brim, black boots and the traditional Ming Dynasty court attire consisting of a black cross-over robe tied at the waist and green panels on either side. His facial features are rendered delicately, with clearly engraved eyes and eyebrows in black pigments, with lips and ears in pinkish-red pigments, presenting a peaceful expression. The figure has his right arm raised with the sleeve hanging down to his chest. He is holding an elaborately carved pyramid object in his left hand, which might have been modelled in imitation of the objects once used by the tomb owner. Earthly encrustations to the surface and some signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as minor chips to the base. The pigment is delicate and should be handled with care. Terracotta moulded figures of people and animals were meant to be grave goods placed in tombs. It was believed that these figures would serve and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Figures of this type are called mingqi (冥器) in Chinese and usually depict servants and court attendants, soldiers, musicians and dancers, and different animals. As in life, attendant figures were supposed to stay nearby their master, waiting to fulfil the desires and needs of the deceased. They were lined outside the tomb before the coffin was taken inside and then placed and arranged inside the tomb. The size and number of the figures in a grave depended on the rank of the deceased. These figures would have been displayed amongst the processional group within a tomb, most likely before a sedan chair or palanquin and before the musician figures. They would have served a ceremonial purpose – to announce the arrival of the tomb occupant. The palanquin, likewise, would have been used in the next life, carrying the deceased on his journey. Measurements: Circa H 18.3cm x W 5.5cm Provenance: Private UK collection, brought from a West country collection in 1990’s.