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Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

鋪首

500s
(386–581 CE)
gilt bronze
Overall: 13.6 x 20 cm (5 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1930.731
Location: 241B Arts of Ancient China
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Did You Know?

Three rivet holes (one on the forehead and one by each limb) were used to nail the mask onto a door.

Description

This gilt bronze Door Ring Holder is in the form of a monster head with curving horns, protruding eyes, three-clawed paws, curling beard, and flame-shaped hair. The tongue dangles from the mouth, in which the creature originally grasped a ring. While it had a practical function as a door knocker, the intimidating form could also frighten away both intruders and evil spirits.
Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

500s

China, Henan province, Northern Dynasties period (386–581 CE)

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