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Tomb Guardians
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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 <em>qitou</em>,<em> or </em>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.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Tang dynasty (618-907) |
|---|---|
| Date | early 700s |
| Culture / Origin | China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907) |
| Medium | glazed earthenware, sancai (three-color) ware |
| Dimensions | 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.) |
| Department | Chinese Art |
| Type | Ceramic |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
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