Tomb Guardian
700-750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Tomb guardians were used to deter any evil spirits that tried to enter the tomb. Modelled on the Buddhist ‘Heavenly Kings’ (tian wang), these figures were originally used in pairs. This one stands on an ox, with a large bird raising its wings on the top of his head.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Earthenware with lead glazes |
| Brief description | Figurine, tomb guardian in the form of a 'heavenly king' or tian wang , earthenware decorated with coloured LEAD GLAZES, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907), 700-750AD |
| Physical description | Figurine of earthenware in humanoid form, stood on a rock with one arm raised and one on their hip. They wear armour in green and ornage glaze, and an ornate headpiece. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Tomb guardians were used to deter any evil spirits that tried to enter the tomb. Modelled on the Buddhist ‘Heavenly Kings’ (tian wang), these figures were originally used in pairs. This one stands on an ox, with a large bird raising its wings on the top of his head. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.48-1955 |
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| Record created | April 3, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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