Succeeded by the Zhou dynasties, Warring Kingdoms (475-221 BC).

Under Chu kingdom, the main concerns were the art of war and the rituals. With a strong shaman culture, wood was used for the first time to make funeral objects. The Chu’s used to live and die while surrounded by spirits with whom they constantly keeping relationship.

The wooden sculptures relate the place where the dead would have preferred staying after-life. As such we can find fabulous animals (like phoenix and chimera) and domestic ones (buffaloes, ducks, horses), servants’ pictures, female partners and courtesans.

The direct cutting technique of sculpting confers to these wooden articles a powerful expressiveness, enhanced by the artisan’s special care, so that their last owner (You ?) is given eternity thanks to their sacred aspects.