Tomb guardian, one of a pair
Place of OriginShaanxi or Henan province, China
Date618-907
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsEarthenware with glaze
DimensionsH. 48 in x W. 27 in x D. 12 1/2 in, H. 121.9 cm x W. 68.6 cm x D. 31.7 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S155+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On viewLocationGallery 15
More InformationBased on Buddhist guardian images, this pair [B60S154+ and B60S155+] of fierce warriors trampling on demons was made to keep unwanted spirits out of a tomb. Though the goals of Buddhism and Chinese ancestor worship seem totally at odds (Buddhism sought an end to the cycle of birth and death, while ancestor worship sought to perpetuate the spirit of the dead), the two practices sometimes influenced each other.
approx. 690-750
approx. 690-750
618-907
approx. 600-800
approx. 500-534
approx. 500-534
25-220
25-220
25-220
approx. 1550-1600