Ming Dynasty China Model Spirit House // c. 1368 - 1644 AD

Ancient China, Ming Dynasty, c. 1368 - 1644 AD. A large and fantastic glazed pottery model of a traditional architectural structure, most likely a spirit house (mingqi), intended for placement in a tomb to provide a home for the deceased in the afterlife. The rectangular form is topped by a steeply pitched roof with evenly ribbed tiles, all covered in a green glaze typical of Ming-era burial wares. The front facade displays a central door panel with raised bosses and two flanking lattice-style windows, all molded in shallow relief and coated in a creamy white slip. The piece is hollow with large vent holes on the sides. These models echoed real estate holdings in life and ensured continued comfort and status in the next world. Size: 10.25" W x 16" H (26.2 cm x 40.6 cm). Chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact and excellent. Heavy mineral and earthen deposits inside. Provenance: Ex Kayvan estate, Los Angeles, California, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, gallery between the late 1990s to 2005. Accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance.