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

China, Henan province, Northern Dynasties period

(386–581 CE)
Medium
gilt bronze
Measurements
Overall: 13.6 x 20 cm (5 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1930.731
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
241B Arts of Ancient China
Print
?

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)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork