Funeral Effigies in Paris – Musee Cernuschi

October 05th, 2011

Modern Celebrant is in Paris blogging today about funeral effigies while listening to the 7 pm church bells. I’m in my ‘happy place’. Being one of those (some would say odd) people who are keenly interested in all things funeral and ritual, I was tres thrilled to come across the Musee Cernuschi today with its amazing collection of 3rd and 6th century Chinese terracotta funeral effigies. I could have spent all day there.

Terra cotta funeral effigies of cooks, dancers, scholars, buffoons, merchants, soldiers, musicians, acrobats, polo players, exorcists, dignitaries, gardeners… with the odd barbarian, dog, and horse for good measure. The horse was one of the rare effigies in wood. Imagine a 1800 year old wood horse still so finely preserved and well wrought it seemed to be looking at me hopefully.

The effigies were generally 4 – 6 inches and in all their variations demonstrated the hats, cloaks, belts, shoes of the person, place, and period. Some were simple in the extreme, but bore what one hopes was a startling resemblance to the actual person… with a gesture, unique posture and expression. They were all completely different. Mesmerizing to say the least. Here you can see one or two of the effigies… with a cool tool where you can really zero in on the image with your mouse.

Also loved the petit mobilier funeraire pieces… things to accompany the dead. Frogs, tortoises, pots, dishes. Again 3rd century. Beautiful little things to represent the items of a life.

Oh, and the two death masks in bronze with filigree headpieces.

I think I would have enjoyed tea with Monsieur Cernuschi at Valentin’s afterwards. Clearly he and I share a common interest. Too bad we missed each other by a 160 years. I find myself grateful that he gathered this fine collection and donated it to be seen by the public – for free.

Bon soiree,

Celebrant Michele