Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. A ceramic Bactrian camel modelled in the round, standing on an integral rectangular base, head held aloft, with semi-naturalistic detailing to mouth, head, eyes, mane, tail and feet; the saddle painted between the humps, decorated with foliate pattern; traces of red, black and brown pigment. Cf. The Empress Place, The Silk road, Treasures of Tang China, Singapore, 1991, figs.26, 27, 81. 2.8 kg, 38 cm high (15 in.). Acquired 1980s-1990s. Collection of M. Cummings, Lincolnshire, UK. Apanied by an original positive original thermoluminescence analysis report no.C122f95 from Oxford Authentication. This camel, like most of the terracotta figures produced during the Imperial Tang period, was part of the funerary kit. The elite of the Tang Empire had their graves filled with pottery figures, destined to serve them in the afterlife. As noted by the Tang specialist Camille de Foresta: 'Noble and imperial members of society would have clay models made of all the attendants they needed to make their soulfortable in the spirit world, such as soldiers, musicians, courtesans, slaves, wine merchants and even polo players - as well as e objects are known as mingqi, which means ‘vessels for ghosts'. The colours employed – red, orange, brown and black - were not casually selected by craftsmen, but aimed to reproduce the original colours of real life.