Artwork Page for Tomb Guardians

Details / Information for Tomb Guardians

Tomb Guardians

鎮墓獸

early 700s
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.)
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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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)

See Also

Videos

Tomb Guardians - Chinese language version

Tomb Guardians

Earth Spirits

Conservation Examination

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