Tomb Guardians
700–725
- 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.)
- Genre
- Ceramics
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907)
About
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.