Artwork Page for Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

Details / Information for Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

鋪首

500s
Measurements
Overall: 13.6 x 20 cm (5 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Public Domain
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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.
A gilt bronze sculpture depicts a wide, symmetrical monster face with bulging eyes and a snarling mouth framed by scrolls. The golden surface shows dark green and brown patina. Two textured horns curve upward below a flame-like crest with a small central hole. Two three-toed, clawed limbs extend outward and down from the sides. The creature's stylized features blend organic, animal-like forms with ornate patterns.

Monster Face: Door Ring Holder (Pushou)

500s

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

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