Tomb guardian, one of a pair
Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 690-750
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsEarthenware with painted decoration under glaze
DimensionsH. 39 5/8 in x W. 15 3/4 in x D. 16 in, H. 100.6 cm x W. 40 cm x D. 40.6 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S52+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On viewLocationGallery 15
More InformationThe entrance to the tomb of a wealthy and highly privileged member of the Tang aristocracy could be elaborate. Leading to the tomb was a spirit path (shendao) flanked by pairs of stone animals and human attendants. A doorway marked the entrance to the tomb proper, and the path continued, in the form of a ramp, to the burial chamber. Guardians in clay flanked this ramp. This pair of guardians is among the most elaborate found in any tomb.
Subject
- mythical animal
- guardian
approx. 690-750
618-907
618-907
approx. 1400-1550
approx. 500-534
approx. 500-534
approx. 1000-1100
approx. 900-1000
approx. 900-1000
approx.900-1100
approx. 1400-1550
approx. 1400-1550
Pair/Pair