A Chinese terracotta tomb figure (Ni Yong) from East Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), likely from the area of nowadays Sichuan. It depicts a horse groomer with tool and harness in hand. Dressed in a short robe, the figure exhibits a soft smiley facial expression that still remains quite lively. This type of clay figures fired at low temperature without glaze was popular in Han dynasty before porcelain was invested. They were mass produced for funeral purpose as part of the burial ceremony in order to have daily objects accompany the deceased to the afterlife. By nature, they were made in a rustic manner but often a shockingly realistic representation of the character. Workers, musicians, servants, maids, musicians and dancers etc. all found their ways into the repertoire. Also available in the gallery is a similar groom figure that is more elaborate and larger on a custom display stand shown in the last photo.