Figure
Figure
early 8th century (made)
early 8th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Figure with the head of a snake, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a snake, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Figure (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip |
| Brief description | Figure with the head of a snake, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac, earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip, China, Tang dynasty, early 8th century |
| Physical description | Figure with the head of a snake, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a snake, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Mr H. K. Burnet through the National Art-Collections Fund |
| Object history | Using animals as signs in the calendar system first appeared in the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and during the Sui and Tang dynasties the animals appeared in many forms in tombs. Each animal is believed to exercise an influence according to its own attributes over the hour, day or year appropriate to it. |
| Production | Label, 1994 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.103E-1929 |
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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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 | December 30, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
