Because part of the soul remains with the body after death, this body needed to be properly "housed" and cared for. If the deceased was a member of the ruling family this "house" was indeed a subterranean palace, built and stocked to reflect the wealth, power and luxury the deceased enjoyed while living.

What was included in the "house"? First, the departed soul needed sustenance. Storage jars filled with grain were placed in the tomb. Ceramic replicas of livestock, mills, even a pig sty, gave the deceased a continuing supply of spiritual food. In addition, the house was furnished. In the Ming, ceramic replicas of furniture, including reception room furniture, beds, wardrobes and chests, were set in special chambers within the tomb.

The deceased were expected to participate in the same occupations and hobbies they enjoyed in life, such as horseback riding, calligraphy or listening to musical performances. Ceramic figurines, such as this musician, represented this wish for leisure and enjoyment.