Ca. 202BC-220AD.An outstanding earthenware rooster with many traces of the original polychromy. This colourful bird stands on well-defined bronze legs. Rendered in an alert, standing pose with an erect neck, the bird looks straight ahead with delineated wings folded to its abdomen with stylized feathers and presents an overall bold silhouette. This rooster figurine is a mingqi, 'spirit good' belonging to the burial rituals in the Chinese Han Dynasty. High-ranking persons were buried with various everyday objects; it was believed that life after death was a continuation of the present life, and therefore the deceased was provided with all the objects necessary to continue living after death. Thus, terracotta animals, such as these roosters and camels, horses, and cattle were given, as well as food, clothing, and valuables. The tombs were designed architecturally so that, together with the objects, they provided both a comfortable final resting place as well as a safe journey for the deceased into the afterlife. Ancestor worship was very important, for the welfare of the deceased and for the welfare of the entire family.Size: L:150mm / W:180mm ; 450gProvenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.