Tortoise
Figure of Tortoise
1000-1100 (made)
1000-1100 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The Chinese tradition of burying ceramic replicas of domestic and wild animals had died out in the 11th century. This figure of a tortoise was one of the very few exceptions. The tortoise lives to an old age and was a symbol of long life. Its presence in the tomb probably represented the wish that the deceased could continue a similar life style in the underworld.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Tortoise (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Stoneware, glazed |
| Brief description | Figure of tortoise, glazed stoneware, Ding ware, Hebei, Northern Song dynasty, ca.11 th century |
| Physical description | Figure of a tortoise, stoneware with white glaze |
| Dimensions |
|
| Styles | |
| Gallery label | Figure of a tortoise
Northern Song dynasty
1000-1100
Stoneware with white glaze
Ding kilns, north China
Museum no. C.847-1936(2007) |
| Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The Chinese tradition of burying ceramic replicas of domestic and wild animals had died out in the 11th century. This figure of a tortoise was one of the very few exceptions. The tortoise lives to an old age and was a symbol of long life. Its presence in the tomb probably represented the wish that the deceased could continue a similar life style in the underworld. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.847-1936 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 3, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
