Funerary Figures from the Han and Northern Dynasties Period

'Yong' are ancient Chinese figures made mostly of clay. They may look cute, but they are certainly not toys! In ancient times it was believed that after death, spirits of the deceased lived the same kind of life in their tombs as when they were alive. For this reason, pottery figures of servants, soldiers, performers and animals etc. were placed in the tomb to serve the departed person's spirit. Yong have existed since long ago, but the objects displayed here are mainly from the 3rd period BC to the 6th period AD. This corresponds to the period of the Han dynasty and the Northern dynasties (the several kingdoms who ruled over the northern area of China during the Southern and Northern dynasties period).

The Han and Northern dynasties Yong range from small, cute ones that could fit in the palm of your hand, to bigger ones over 50 cms high. Please note the body shape and facial expressions. Some Yong are smiling and others are angry figures with fearsome faces. They differ from each other in many ways depending on, amongst other things, their role, sex or era. These diversified expressions are one of the charms of Yong.