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Tomb Guardians

鎮墓獸

early 700s
(618-907)
glazed earthenware, sancai (three-color) ware
Part 1: 92.3 x 43.8 x 41.9 cm (36 5/16 x 17 1/4 x 16 1/2 in.); Part 2: 88.9 x 41 x 50.8 cm (35 x 16 1/8 x 20 in.)
Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange) 2000.118
Location: 239 Chinese Ceramics and Metalwork
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Did You Know?

Sancai (three-color) glazes in green, amber, and transparent white, plus expensive cobalt blue glaze, show the high social status of the tomb’s occupant.

Description

With fierce expressions, elongated spikes, and exaggerated physical features, these two fantastic creatures were intended to guard the entrance to a tomb, warding off evil as well as keeping the soul of the deceased from wandering. Known as qitou, or earth spirits, both sculptures differ in appearance: one has an animal face, claws, and a pair of antlers; the other sports a human face with huge ears, hooves, and a short horn.
Tomb Guardians

Tomb Guardians

early 700s

China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907)

Videos

Tomb Guardians - Chinese language version

Tomb Guardians

Earth Spirits

Conservation Examination

See Also

Visually Similar Artworks

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