Warrior
Place of OriginShaanxi province or Henan province, China
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsMolded and sculpted low-fired ceramic figure with straw-colored glaze and traces of red paint
DimensionsH. 33 in x W. 11 3/8 in x D. 11 1/4 in, H. 83.8 cm x W. 28.9 cm x D. 28.6 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P514
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewRichly armored wushi (military) figures were buried one or two in a tomb to protect the dead from evil. The fully armored figure seen here stands in a weapon-holding pose on a rock pedestal. Developed from the Six Dynasties-style armor, the costume shown here well represents the complexity of Tang armor: the helmet has six plates along the ridge and two-layered ear flaps; the elbow-length arm guards decorated with tiger-headed reliefs, the cuirass adorned with plaques, and the belly guard, are all worn over a tunic, baggy trousers, and boots. This style adorns only a few other majestic pieces of the seventh century (The Urban Council 1993: 149; WW 1992.12: pl. 5).
