During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of
the camel ranked second only to the revered
horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its
associated wealth, largely concentrated on
profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade
across this extensive network of paths and trails
brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and
exotic merchandise into China. However, the
arduous journey through the rugged mountains
and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be
traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel.
This remarkable beast was able to withstand the
scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its
own nutrients, surviving for months without
fresh supplies of water. The government kept
vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided
over by civil officials, for hauling their precious
commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic
creatures were a common sight in the
cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both
traders and their goods directly into the markets.
Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming
representations of these prized creatures as
mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and
prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of
art specifically created in an ancient Chinese
custom for interment in the tombs of elite
individuals in order to provide for their afterlife.
Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art
were excavated from such tombs, and this
polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect
example of the refined artistry dedicated to such
works even though they were never meant to be
seen by the living. A remarkable amount of the
original pigment that once covered this work
remains intact. Vibrant yellow, red, and burgundy
hues decorate the camel and its accoutrements.
Bulging with merchandise, a large pack shaped
like a growling tiger rests atop the camel’s
humps. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang
Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast
of burden, so essential to the prosperity of
ancient China.
- (H.1060)
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