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Figure

Figure

  • Place of origin:

    China (made)

  • Date:

    ca. 585-600 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown

  • Materials and Techniques:

    White marble

  • Museum number:

    A.1-1928

  • Gallery location:

    China, Room 44, The T.T. Tsui Gallery, case 67

Sculptures of this kind were placed at the two sides of the 'spirit road' (shendao), the path leading to the tombs of emperors, high-ranking officers or aristocrats. The figures, depicting animals, guardians and officers, were arranged in pair, one facing the other, and were meant to guard the burial area.

Physical description

White marble sculpture in the shape a squatted ram with legs flexed under the body, broad tail, bulging eyes, and horns attached to the head; the body is cylindrical and roughly modelled. The material is a coarse white marble with veins of clay.

Place of Origin

China (made)

Date

ca. 585-600 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

White marble

Dimensions

Length: 127 cm, Width: 77 cm, Height: 61 cm, Weight: 660 kg

Descriptive line

Figure of ram, white marble, China, Northern Dynasties period, ca.585-600

Labels and date

Ram, carved marble
Tang dynasty, about AD 700
Large stone animals were placed along the 'spirit path' leading to mausoleums of emperors and high-ranking officials. This ram came from Hebei province, southwest of Peking. [June 1991]

Subjects depicted

Ram

Categories

Sculpture

Collection

East Asia Collection

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