Figure
ca. 585-600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | White marble |
| Brief description | Figure of ram, white marble, China, Northern Dynasties period, ca.585-600 |
| 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. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Gallery label | 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 | |
| Summary | 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. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.1-1928 |
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| Record created | October 2, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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