Chinese Enameled Cancan Offering Table, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

This small miniature altar made of glazed pottery was originally part of a funerary offering and dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

This decorative altar is a typical example of what are known as Mingqi, simple pottery objects placed in a tomb to ensure the comfort of the deceased in the afterlife. These objects often reflected the status of the deceased and could include, in addition to simple utensils, statues of animals, servants, soldiers, musicians, or miniature buildings. Important interior pieces were also made of pottery. This altar is a fine example. Sancai literally means "three glazes." This technique involves applying tinted, highly glossy lead glazes to the pottery. The pigments are composed of iron oxide, which produces the yellow and brown hues; copper oxide, which produces the green; and cobalt, which produces the characteristic blue.

This technique was already in use during the Han Dynasty, but it slowly but surely fell out of use starting in the 8th century. During the Ming period, this glazing technique experienced a resurgence of interest.